The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education is launching a thorough investigation into the alarming rise of school fires and student unrest across Kenyan learning institutions.

• The inquiry aims to identify the root causes of these recurring incidents and propose solutions to restore order in schools.
• Key factors contributing to unrest identified include examination stress, poor student-teacher relations, inadequate grievance mechanisms, overcrowding, and substance abuse.
• The Committee, chaired by Julius Melly (Tinderet MP), will consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, students, security agencies, and religious leaders.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is now archiving student crime records, which will impact future applications for a Certificate of Good Conduct. This is a warning to all students from primary to university levels.

• Offences, even minor ones, will be permanently recorded and reflected on a Police Clearance Certificate.
• The warning comes from Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on June 14.
• This initiative follows a recent spate of school fires and unrest, with at least 71 boarding schools closed nationwide.

Kenyan Members of Parliament have initiated an inquiry into rising school unrest, with discussions about potentially reintroducing caning as a disciplinary measure.

• The National Assembly Committee on Education will meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Inspector General of Police.
• MPs are considering the reintroduction of caning, which was banned in 2001.
• Other issues to be examined include school infrastructure, enrolment levels, and communication channels between teachers and students.