A somber memorial service was held at Gilgil Stadium in Nakuru County for 15 girls who tragically died in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School on May 29.

• A total of 16 girls perished in the blaze, allegedly started by fellow students.
• Nine students suspected of involvement have been arrested and arraigned in court.
• The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures in boarding schools and highlighted concerns about infrastructure and school instability, with First Lady Rachel Ruto and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in attendance.

Members of Parliament are reportedly considering a return to caning in schools as a measure to address rising student unrest across Kenya.

• The potential reintroduction of corporal punishment is being discussed by MPs.
• The central issue is the growing wave of student unrest and indiscipline in educational institutions.
• The article highlights that this debate arises from a need to find effective disciplinary measures.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education has announced a comprehensive inquiry into the escalating school fires and student unrest across Kenyan learning institutions.

• Over the past year, at least 204 schools have experienced unrest, with 47 fire incidents recorded since January.
• The inquiry is spearheaded by the Committee Chairperson, Julius Melly.
• Concerns include overcrowding, substance abuse, inadequate support systems, poor communication, and declining societal values as contributing factors.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has stated that teachers should not bear the sole responsibility for the unrest reported in schools.

• Collins Oyuu, the Secretary General of Knut, is the key figure making this statement.
• The core issue is the attribution of blame for school unrest, with Knut arguing against placing it entirely on teachers.
• This statement from Knut's leadership suggests a broader discussion is needed regarding the root causes of school disturbances.

Kenya's Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, has strongly condemned the recent wave of school unrest across the country, emphasizing that no grievance justifies violence or destruction.

• At least 200 schools have been closed due to the unrest.
• The CS spoke during the 80th anniversary of Thika School for the Visually Impaired.
• Ogamba urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the government to collaborate in instilling positive values in students.