By News Desk
The Education Experts as well as parents has expressed deep concern over the wave of unrest currently affecting learning institutions across the country, which has reportedly led to the closure of at least 37 schools.
While commending the Ministry of Education for the swift interventions being undertaken to restore order and safeguard learners, the Association notes with concern that parents continue to be left out of critical discussions and decision-making processes despite being key stakeholders in the education sector.
The Ministry has outlined several measures aimed at addressing the crisis, including increasing teacher supervision during prep time and in dormitory areas, enforcing official school operating hours, banning joint and mock examinations, convening Board of Management meetings to assess risks, and strengthening coordination through a multi-agency approach involving education officials and national government administrators.
The Education Experts as well as Parents further acknowledges the efforts by the Principal Secretary and Ministry officials who remain actively engaged with education stakeholders across the country. NPA fully supports these interventions and remains committed to working closely with the Ministry to ensure stability in schools.
However, the Experts concerned that NPA involvement is not enough, through their legally recognized body, continue to be sidelined despite the critical role they play in understanding learner challenges and supporting school management.
“At a time when schools are experiencing unprecedented unrest, parents are wondering why the government continues to overlook their organization yet it remains the official voice of parents in Kenya. Sustainable solutions can only be achieved when parents are actively involved in discussions concerning learner welfare and school management,” the Association stated.
The parents and Experts is therefore calling upon Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to strengthen the National Parents Association and formally recognize its role in addressing emerging challenges within the education sector.
Specifically, the Association is urging the Cabinet Secretary to issue a circular to all Regional Directors of Education (RDEs) directing County and Sub-County Directors of Education to support, facilitate, and coordinate NPA activities at the grassroots level. Such support would enable parents to participate more effectively in conflict prevention, learner mentorship, school safety initiatives, and community engagement programs.
The Association also welcomes the Ministry’s efforts to recruit an additional 1,000 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers across the country, noting that school inspections and enhanced supervision are critical in maintaining discipline, safety, and quality learning environments. The recruitment of 342 officers already underway is a positive step toward strengthening oversight in schools.
NPA reiterates that restoring stability in schools requires a collaborative approach involving learners, teachers, school administrators, government agencies, and parents. Excluding any of these stakeholders weakens the effectiveness of interventions and limits the prospects of achieving lasting solutions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Association remains ready to partner with the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders to protect learners, strengthen school governance, and promote a safe and conducive learning environment across the country.
