Return of Caning? MPs Float Return of Corporal Punishment in Schools.
Members of Parliament have initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the escalating cases of student unrest and arson attacks in schools across the country, with the National Assembly Committee on Education set to examine school management practices, student welfare, infrastructure adequacy, and disciplinary frameworks.
The committee is scheduled to hold meetings with Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in Nairobi before undertaking a nationwide fact-finding mission targeting learning institutions affected by unrest.
The inquiry follows a series of incidents reported in secondary schools, including the fire tragedy at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which resulted in the deaths of 16 learners.
Committee to Examine School Management and Infrastructure
According to the committee’s preliminary deliberations, the investigation will focus on school administration structures, dormitory conditions, communication channels between teachers and learners, and the adequacy of school infrastructure relative to enrolment levels.
The committee will also assess whether schools are admitting learners beyond their accommodation and infrastructure capacity and evaluate proposals aimed at standardising facilities across learning institutions.
Legislators indicated that standardisation measures could help address disparities in enrolment patterns, where some schools remain overcrowded while others operate below capacity despite having sufficient facilities.
Reintroduction of Caning Under Consideration
During internal planning discussions, committee members raised the possibility of reviewing disciplinary approaches in schools, including the potential reintroduction of corporal punishment.
Magarini Member of Parliament Harrison Kombe stated that the prohibition of caning had contributed to increased cases of indiscipline among learners.
Mr Kombe argued that disciplinary measures previously applied in schools had played a role in maintaining order and respect for authority. He cited experiences from his teaching career, including an instance where he personally disciplined a student after the learner’s parent declined to do so.
Corporal punishment in Kenyan schools was outlawed in March 2001 through a legal notice issued by then Minister for Education Kalonzo Musyoka.
Any attempt to reverse the ban would require a new legal notice from the Ministry of Education. While the Education Act grants the Cabinet Secretary authority to regulate school management and disciplinary measures, the Children’s Act, 2001 prohibits physical and psychological abuse of children.
MPs Cite Parental Neglect and Overcrowding
Teso South Member of Parliament Mary Emaase identified student indiscipline as one of the most significant challenges facing schools and attributed part of the problem to parental failure in guiding and disciplining children.
Ms Emaase stated that teachers are increasingly being expected to perform responsibilities traditionally assigned to parents despite already handling large student populations.
She further called for a review of accommodation infrastructure in schools, noting that excessive enrolment can increase risks during emergencies and disasters.
According to the legislator, overcrowding may also contribute to the formation of groups that engage in acts of indiscipline and destruction of property.
Principals Accused of Disconnect from Students
Igembe North Member of Parliament Julius Taitumu raised concerns regarding leadership structures in schools, arguing that some chief principals have become detached from day-to-day operations and student welfare issues.
Mr Taitumu stated that communication gaps exist between school heads and teaching staff, adding that some teachers are reluctant to report concerns due to fear of repercussions.
He also questioned the effectiveness of quality assurance mechanisms in certain institutions, claiming that oversight efforts often fail to produce meaningful interventions.
Committee Seeks Implementation Status of Previous Recommendations
National Assembly Committee on Education Chairperson Julius Melly said the committee would seek updates on the implementation of recommendations made by previous task forces that examined school unrest and student indiscipline.
Mr Melly indicated that Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba would provide a status report on reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Education, while Inspector General Douglas Kanja would address security concerns affecting schools.
He stated that the committee intends to focus on practical solutions aimed at addressing the recurring incidents of unrest in learning institutions.
The inquiry follows an earlier directive by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who called for an investigation into the causes of school unrest following the Utumishi Academy tragedy.
Knut Defends Teachers Amid Rising Unrest
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has rejected claims linking teachers to the growing wave of student unrest and arson attacks reported in schools.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu attributed the crisis to parental neglect, increasing indiscipline among learners, and political interference in the management of educational institutions.
Mr Oyuu stated that responsibility for addressing the situation should not be placed solely on teachers, arguing that parents and political leaders also have a role in safeguarding discipline and stability within schools.
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According to the union, more than 200 secondary schools have been affected by incidents of unrest.
Mr Oyuu urged learners to utilise established school governance and grievance-resolution mechanisms when raising concerns rather than engaging in violence, destruction of property, or arson attacks.
The union further cautioned political leaders against interfering in the administration of schools, warning that such actions undermine institutional management and discipline frameworks.
Return of Caning? MPs Float Return of Corporal Punishment in Schools.
