The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Maseno East has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of student unrest, school strikes, arson attacks, and the closure of learning institutions across the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of Kenya’s education system.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. CPA Benard Otieno Owuor, the clergy said the incidents have caused anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among students, parents, teachers, and school administrators, calling for a collective response from all stakeholders.
The church noted that schools are sacred spaces where knowledge is imparted, character is shaped, and future leaders are nurtured, adding that their transformation into scenes of destruction demands urgent national reflection.
While condemning acts of arson, vandalism, and violence in schools, the Diocese said the unrest cannot be attributed to a single cause. Instead, it pointed to a combination of social, moral, emotional, economic, educational, and family-related challenges that require long-term solutions.
The clergy emphasized that the protection of human life must remain the highest priority, urging schools to strengthen safety measures, emergency preparedness, fire prevention systems, and evacuation procedures to prevent tragedies.
“Buildings can be rebuilt, but human life, once lost, cannot be restored,” the statement read.
The church further called for an honest examination of the root causes of student unrest, citing academic pressure, mental health struggles, substance abuse, social media influence, overcrowding in schools, family instability, and inadequate communication channels between learners and school management.
The Diocese also urged the government to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all incidents of school fires and unrest while addressing systemic challenges affecting learning institutions, including delayed capitation funds, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient counselling services.
At the same time, the church advocated for the strengthening of chaplaincy, guidance, and counselling programmes in schools, saying learners need safe spaces where they can express their concerns and receive emotional and psychological support.
Parents were also challenged to take a more active role in nurturing discipline and moral values among their children, with the clergy warning against the tendency of some parents to automatically defend learners without first establishing the facts.
The Diocese called on churches, communities, civil society organizations, and local leaders to work together in mentoring young people and creating environments that promote responsible behaviour and peaceful conflict resolution.
In a direct message to students, the church urged learners to reject violence and destruction as a way of expressing grievances and instead embrace dialogue, resilience, responsibility, and self-control.
The clergy concluded by calling for national reflection, collective responsibility, and intensified prayers for schools, teachers, students, and education leaders, saying Kenya must act decisively to safeguard the future of its young generation.
“We stand in solidarity with affected schools, students, teachers, parents, sponsors, and communities during this difficult period. Let us reject blame and division and instead work together toward meaningful and lasting solutions,” Bishop Owuor said.
