NPA Backs Government Taskforce on School Unrest, Urges United Action to Restore Safety and Discipline in Schools.
The National Parents Association (NPA) has welcomed the Government’s decision to establish and officially gazette a national taskforce to investigate and address the growing cases of unrest in schools, describing the move as timely, necessary and long overdue.
Speaking on behalf of the association, National Chairman Silas David Obuhatsa said the taskforce offers a critical opportunity to examine the root causes of student unrest and recommend lasting solutions that will restore discipline, safety and confidence in Kenya’s education system.
Obuhatsa noted that schools must remain safe environments where learners acquire knowledge, nurture their talents and build character. He warned that increasing incidents of student unrest, destruction of school property, violence against teachers and weakening discipline require urgent national attention.
The NPA called on the taskforce to conduct a comprehensive review of factors contributing to school unrest, including social and economic challenges, mental health, substance abuse, social media influence, parental involvement, school leadership, communication between learners and administrators, and security measures in learning institutions.
The association emphasized that parents remain the first teachers of every child and urged the taskforce to recommend stronger parental engagement and family support systems to reinforce discipline and positive values.
According to the NPA, the taskforce should also assess the effectiveness of school governance structures, counselling and mentorship programmes, emergency preparedness, and the influence of external actors and technology on learners’ behaviour.
Obuhatsa said the education landscape has evolved significantly over the years, making it necessary to establish a fresh taskforce that can gather views directly from learners, parents, teachers, principals and other education stakeholders before proposing practical reforms.
The association appealed to Kenyans not to politicize the process, insisting that protecting children, teachers and school property should be a shared national responsibility.
The NPA further acknowledged the concerns raised by parents of Utumishi Academy following the tragic events that affected learners and families, saying the taskforce provides an opportunity for affected parents to be heard while strengthening safety measures in schools across the country.
“It is unfortunate that those opposing this important process may not fully appreciate the concerns of parents. No responsible parent would oppose an initiative aimed at making schools safer for our children,” Obuhatsa said.
The National Parents Association reaffirmed its full support for the Government’s initiative and called on parents, teachers, learners and all education stakeholders to actively participate in the process to help restore discipline, strengthen parental engagement and build safer, more supportive learning institutions for every child in Kenya.
