CS Ogamba raises alarm over school unrests’ impact on education funding
By Aloys Michael, June 13, 2026Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has raised concerns over the growing cases of unrest in schools, warning that the destruction of infrastructure and interruptions to learning are eroding the value of investments made in the education sector by the government, parents and communities.
This even as the government continues to carry out safety audits and investigations into the surging school fires in the country, with preliminary reports indicating that among the triggers of the unrest are leadership, drug abuse in schools and failure by the government to act on school safety.
Speaking on Saturday, June 13, 2026, during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Thika School for the Visually Impaired, Ogamba said incidents of student unrest not only disrupt academic programmes but also divert resources that could otherwise be used to improve learning conditions and expand access to education.
“Schools must remain places of learning, character formation and personal growth,” he said.
He stressed the need for a collective effort by parents, teachers, religious leaders and government institutions to nurture discipline and instil positive values among learners.
“These incidents remind us, as parents, teachers, the clergy and the Government, that we must train and guide our children with positive values and virtues. Our children must learn that whatever grievances they may have, there is no justification for causing harm to others and destroying property,” the CS emphasised.
According to Ogamba, repeated cases of vandalism and violence in schools threaten gains made in the education sector and underscore the urgency of creating safer environments for learners.
“It is my hope that these experiences will strengthen our collective resolve to build safer, more caring and more supportive learning environments for every child,” he said.
The CS made the remarks during celebrations marking eight decades of Thika School for the Visually Impaired. The event also marked International Albinism Awareness Day 2026 and the 20th anniversary of the Albinism Society of Kenya.
Ogamba also pointed to challenges facing the institution, including rising enrolment, limited facilities and the high cost of specialised learning materials and equipment.
“As a Government, we are committed to promoting access, inclusion and quality in our education system. We will therefore support this institution in improving infrastructure and addressing other resource requirements to achieve the institution’s full potential,” he said.