Kenya: School unrest reflects deep rot in our society

Six girls from Stephjoy Girls' Secondary School sneaked out of school for several days last month and when they resurfaced, it was at one of the local radio stations where they claimed students were being ill-treated by teachers and the management. A few days later, a dormitory at the school was set on fire, leading to closure.

On Sunday, another dormitory at Stephjoy Boy's Secondary School was allegedly set on fire by students. Three deaths arising from this incident have been reported. The latest incident caps months of student unrest in Embu, Nakuru, Kilifi, Machakos, Migori, Busia and other counties where dormitories and classrooms were set on fire.

In an effort to curb this restlessness in secondary schools, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi last week reinforced a previous ban on mock examinations that is said to exert great pressure on students who, at most times, are ill-prepared to sit the tests. Perhaps informed by the 2001 Kyanguli Secondary School arson attack in which 67 students died, the Naomy Wangai-led Task Force on Student Discipline and Unrest in Secondary Schools of 2001 recommended a ban on tuition and mock examinations. The Ministry of Education effected a ban the same year, but it has been largely ignored by school heads.

In the past, mocks were used to gauge performance and the readiness of the candidates for national examinations. Unfortunately, commercial interests have overrun the need to adequately prepare students for national exams. Consequently, exams are no longer a true reflection of a student's ability. And when too many are packed too close together, they cause unease and tension, often referred to as exam fever. Yet on its own, the wave of student unrest cannot be attributed solely to exams.

Deeper contemplation and broad investigation is needed to get to the root cause of student unrest that not only causes death, but also holds back academic progress and occasions damage to property.

First, it all starts at home. The pressures of modern life have made parenting near impossible. Today's youngster lacks parental guidance. Many parents spend more of their time advancing careers or chasing a livelihood than bringing up responsible children. In most cases, the children are left at the mercy of nannies whose drive is a measly pay at the end of the month. While at school, the students are all by themselves. The teachers are busy agitating for better pay and allowances. With a lot of time on their hands and a curious mind, the youngsters tend to indulge in mischief.

Claims of moral decadence in most schools are rampant. Cases of drug abuse, alcoholism and even prostitution are on the rise.

It might not be easy to point out the weakest link. From home, to the church, to the politicians, the leaders have failed to inculcate good morals in the young ones.

The church is seemingly engaged in a catch-up race, with widespread secularisation that promotes liberalism and total disregard for human life. The politicians and other community leaders who many youngsters look up to prefer vitriol and violence as a way of resolving disputes. Youngsters will take cue from them, under the impression that it is the right thing to do.

No wonder then that tension from exams, being denied a Saturday outing or entertainment becomes the pretext for slaughter and destruction in schools. Banning mock exams is one way of addressing the problem. But a lot more needs to be done.