Lenana School has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that Grade 10 learners are being bullied by older students, saying internal checks have found no reported or verified cases of abuse within the institution.
The allegations emerged in mid-January, shortly after Grade 10 reported to the school on January 12.
Grade 10 learners are the pioneer cohort under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system
Their transition to Senior school makes them the only stream in session, alongside Form Three and Form Four students, the final classes of the outgoing 8-4-4 structure.
Claims of bullying gained traction online after Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai shared a distress message from a parent on his X account.
The message alleged that Form Four students were “seriously beating Form Ones with their belts everywhere in the school compound, in the dorms, the classes, the dining area, on the fields”.
It added that some learners had already transferred after only two weeks in school, seemingly to escape the harrowing experience.
It further claimed that the matter had reached the school administration but that efforts to contain the situation were proving difficult.
“The bullying is traumatising,” the anonymous parent claimed, describing the alleged bullying as “almost assault”.
The post also alleged that some prefects were involved and suggested that frustrations among senior students were being taken out on the new Grade 10 learners.
In a formal response dated January 23 and addressed to the Regional Director of Education in Nairobi, Lenana School Chief Principal William Kemei said the institution had acted immediately after the allegations surfaced online and found no evidence to support the claims.
“I write to your office to acknowledge receipt of allegations circulating on social media regarding alleged bullying of Grade 10 learners by Form Four and Form Three students at Lenana School,” the principal said in the letter.
He said an urgent meeting was convened involving the deputy principals in charge of administration and boarding, alongside senior house masters.
He said house masters confirmed that no cases of bullying had been reported within the house structures at the time.
Following the meeting, house masters held additional meetings and learner engagement sessions within their respective houses to establish facts, reassure students and reinforce discipline and harmonious co-existence.
The principal said class teachers and house masters also conducted structured engagements focusing on fact-finding, learner support, counselling and reinforcing expected standards of conduct.
He said he held separate consultations with senior prefects and house captains to establish whether any cases had been raised through student leadership channels.
“The student leaders confirmed that, as at the time of this report, there have been no formally reported cases of bullying within the houses under their supervision,” the letter states.
Kemei said he also addressed a full school assembly, reiterating the institution’s policy on non-discrimination, learner dignity and zero tolerance to bullying in all its forms.
He said he reminded learners of the school’s open-door policy, encouraging immediate reporting of any incident or suspicion of bullying, whether physical, emotional or psychological, for prompt intervention.
“To further confirm the situation, CCTV footage for selected houses was reviewed and no unusual or strange occurrences were noted during the period under reference,” Kemei said.
The principal said the school also briefed the Parents Association leadership on the matter and the PA chairperson and class representatives indicated that no parent had formally reported bullying involving their sons.
Kemei said the school, nevertheless, treats all concerns touching on learner safety with utmost seriousness and remains vigilant and committed to maintaining a safe, supportive and values-based learning environment.
“The school will continue strengthening guidance and counselling services, enhancing supervision and encouraging confidential reporting to ensure that any emerging cases are promptly addressed,” Kemei said.
Lenana School is a premier national boys’ boarding secondary school located in Karen, Nairobi, known for strong academic performance, extensive facilities and a long-standing culture of discipline.
The principal said the school would continue monitoring the situation closely and would submit a further report should additional information arise from ongoing engagements.
by EMMANUEL WANJALA
