Clergy calls for action as school strikes and fires disrupt learning
By Viola Kosome, June 14, 2026The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Maseno East, led by Bishop Benard Owuor, has raised concern over the recent wave of school strikes, arson attacks and closures of learning institutions across the country, calling for urgent action to address the root causes of the unrest and safeguard the future of learners.
While addressing the media on Sunday, June 14, 2026, Owuor said the incidents have created anxiety, fear and uncertainty among students, parents, teachers, and school administrators, warning that continued unrest threatens the stability of Kenya’s education system.
“We cannot remain silent when the future of our children and the stability of our education system are under threat. Schools are sacred spaces where knowledge is imparted, character is moulded, leadership is nurtured, and dreams are cultivated. When these institutions become scenes of destruction and unrest, it calls for serious reflection by every sector of society,” Owuor said.
The bishop noted that the current situation cannot be attributed to a single cause but is the result of multiple social, emotional, moral, educational and family-related challenges affecting learners.
He called on all stakeholders to work together in finding lasting solutions.
Owuor emphasised that the protection of human life must remain the highest priority, particularly in light of past school fire tragedies that claimed innocent lives.
“Buildings can be rebuilt, but human life, once lost, cannot be restored. Every school administrator, parent, government agency and community leader must place the protection of human life above all other considerations,” he said.
Fire prevention measures
He urged schools to strengthen fire prevention measures, emergency preparedness systems and evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of learners.
At the same time, the bishop strongly condemned acts of arson, vandalism and destruction of school property, saying such actions undermine institutions established to nurture future generations and place unnecessary financial burdens on parents and taxpayers.
“Educational institutions represent years of sacrifice, investment, and collective effort by society. The destruction of classrooms, dormitories, laboratories, and libraries not only disrupts learning but also robs future learners of opportunities and resources that have taken many years to establish,” Owuor said.
While condemning violence, he called for greater attention to the factors driving student unrest, including academic pressure, mental health challenges, peer influence, family instability, social media pressures, substance abuse, and inadequate communication channels in schools.
“The recurring nature of these incidents suggests that society must move beyond reacting to symptoms and begin addressing root causes. Sustainable peace within schools will only be achieved when underlying concerns are identified and adequately addressed,” he said.
The bishop further challenged education stakeholders to strengthen moral and spiritual formation among learners, arguing that the crisis points to a deeper erosion of values and character.