A legislator has called for a collective national effort to address the recurring cases of school fires and student unrest.
Speaking during an interview with the Star, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo said that the crisis is a societal problem that cannot be solved by the government alone.
He said parents, teachers, guardians, religious leaders and political leaders must work together to tackle the root causes of indiscipline in schools.
Odhiambo also warned against the growing tendency to blame government officials whenever such incidents occur, saying the problem reflects broader societal challenges and requires a multi-sectoral approach.
“Blaming the Education Cabinet Secretary, the Interior Cabinet Secretary or the government is not the solution. Everyone must come together to address this problem,“ he said.
The MP urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding and mentoring their children, saying that schools alone cannot be expected to instill discipline and values in learners.
“I call on parents, the church and politicians to play their role in talking to our children. It is important that we invest in initiatives that mould the current children in school and those who will come after them.”
Odhiambo said incidents of student unrest and attempted arson have affected some of the country’s top-performing schools over the years, demonstrating that the challenge cuts across regions and educational institutions.
“We have seen similar incidents in Nyeri, Nairobi and now Nakuru county. That means this is a societal problem and not a problem for one school or one region.”
His remarks come in the wake of renewed concerns over student unrest following a series of fire incidents in schools that have led to the destruction of property and disruption of learning.
Last week, 16 students died, and more than 70 were injured in a suspected arson at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Nakuru.
The legislator further challenged leaders and public figures to be mindful of their conduct and public statements, arguing that young people are often influenced by what they observe in society.
“It is also important for elders, including political leaders and even the Gen Z, to watch what they say and do in the public domain,” he said.
“Whatever they do, whether it is incitement, protests or irresponsible conduct, is reflected in our children. Young people are always watching and learning from what they see.”
Odhiambo said addressing the problem will require a deliberate effort to strengthen moral guidance and mentorship programmes both in schools and communities.
He particularly singled out churches and religious organisations, many of which sponsor schools across the country, saying they have a critical role to play in shaping the character of learners.
“Churches must play their role because many of these schools are sponsored by churches. Religious institutions have a responsibility to help nurture values and discipline among our children,” he said.
The MP emphasised that the solution lies in collective responsibility rather than finger-pointing, calling on all stakeholders to work together to safeguard schools and ensure learners are equipped with the values needed to become responsible citizens.
