This archive report was first published on 2 November 2021.
Student unrest has been on the rise in Kenya, with over 20 institutions reporting incidents of students jumping from dormitories to escape fires.
As a result, the Ministry of Education has heeded the calls of headteachers and ordered a four-day half-term break for secondary schools, starting from Friday, November 19.
Students will then resume learning on Tuesday, November 23.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Julius Jwan directed regional and county directors of education to inform all principals of secondary schools within their area of jurisdiction about the half-term break.
The decision comes after school heads called for a break to ease the pressure brought about by a demanding crash programme that has resulted in a wave of unrest across the country.
According to the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, the crash programme has taken a toll on learners, who need a break to recharge.
Chair of the association, Kahi Indimuli, also called for the resumption of co-curricular activities, such as sports, drama, and music, which were suspended when schools reopened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We forgot that we have students who have a lot of energy and they look forward to participating in these events," Indimuli said.
