CS Matiangi issues new directive to curb student unrest

CS Matiangi issues new directive to curb student unrest

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has moved to tame the surging cases of student unrest by issuing a ban on student transfers from schools involved in strikes.

Speaking after inspecting the razed Kisii-based Itierio Lutheran Boys’ High School on Monday, CS Matiang’i said that such transfers will have to be accompanied by clearance letter by Sub County Directors of Education to prevent riotous students from spreading the wanton traits of strikes and destruction of school property.

He said that students and parents of Itierio will bear the cost of reconstructing the school adding that anyone found culpable of orchestrating such acts will be arrested.

Matiang’i gave County Directors of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) 48 hours to submit a joint report on the increasing cases of student unrest in the country for appropriate action.

Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced that the ministry will not fund the reconstruction of schools where the students and community were found to have had a hand in its destruction.

Kisii TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, in her address, advised school principals and teachers to devise intelligence mechanisms and engage students through their council in order to detect and avert acts of indiscipline which lead to riots.

They warned that any teacher found to have been linked to the torching of schools will face disciplinary measures.

Seven of Itierio Lutheran Boys High School’s twelve dormitories were torched Saturday night as students went on rampage after the school administration barred them from watching Euro Games.

Four other dormitories were affected by the fire.

Police who were called to quell the riots had to use teargas and to shoot in the air to disperse the irate students.

Scores of students who were injured during the fracas were taken to Kisii Level 5 Hospital where they are receiving treatment.

Kisii County Governor James Ongwae and County Commissioner Ms Kula Hake who visited the institution on Sunday expressed dismay over the incident, with Hake adding that police have launched investigations to establish the cause and instigators of the strike.

The police boss vowed to take stern action against those found to be behind the incident that left other property in the school destroyed.

Governor James Ongwae described the incident as unfortunate adding that his government would offer the necessary assistance to the school.

By Hyline Ocharo

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Fred Matiang'i

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