This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On July 8, a heartbreaking case of bullying involving a Form Two boy from Nairobi School was reported by local media houses, sparking widespread concern about the prevalence of bullying in Kenyan schools.
The boy's parent shared WhatsApp screenshots of the boy's ordeal with a group of parents, revealing the brutal assault he suffered at the hands of prefects. The boy required surgery to drain fluid from his brain due to head injuries.
Nairobi School is just the latest institution to be caught up in the bullying menace, but it is by no means the first or last. The case highlights the need for parents and guardians to take a more active role in addressing bullying in schools.
As the author notes, 'we've normalised bullying' in Kenya, with many people downplaying its effects or blaming the victims. However, research has shown that depression is a common mental health problem among Kenyan men, and bullying is likely a contributing factor.
The Kenya National Parents Association has a crucial role to play in shaping conversations around bullying, but it has been largely silent on the issue. It is time for parents and guardians to take a stand against bullying and demand action from schools and government officials.
As the author writes, 'let's speak up and act now for our children so that we don't have to cry for them in future.'
