The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools, citing a rise in student unrest, dormitory fires, and destruction of property across the country.

The proposal was made as concerns continue to grow over incidents that have disrupted learning in several secondary schools. More than 10 institutions have experienced strikes, fires, or security-related challenges in recent weeks, prompting fresh debate on discipline and student welfare.

Speaking during a public engagement on June 9, 2026, Samburu County Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris urged parents to use the short mid-term break to engage their children and address behavioural concerns before they return to school.

“Watoto wetu wakirudi from shule katika likizo fupi, kila mtu aende aongee na mtoto wake, kwa sababu ya yale mambo tumeona kwa utumishi,” she said.

MPs blame breakdown of discipline at home and school

Lenguris, a former school principal, said parents and teachers must work together to instil discipline among learners. She pointed to the loss of lives and destruction of school property witnessed in recent incidents.

“Tumepoteza watoto, tumepoteza mali. Wazazi wenzangu, watoto wakikuja nyumbani tuwaongeleshe wakuwe na damu ili wawache kuchoma shule zetu,” she said.

Narok Woman Representative Rebeca Tonkei, who serves on the National Assembly Education Committee, supported the proposal to restore corporal punishment.

“Ni wakati mwafaka wa kurejesha adhabu ya viboko shuleni. Watoto wetu wawe discipline… tunasema we are going to return the cane in schools ili watoto wetu waweze kunyoroshwa,” Tonkei said.

She urged parents to support teachers in enforcing discipline and maintaining order in learning institutions.

The calls come amid growing concern over incidents reported in schools including Mang’u High School, Mukumu Girls High School, Alliance High School, Naivasha Girls Secondary School, Loreto Girls Limuru, Kisii School and institutions in Embu County.

School fires spark national concern

Recent cases of unrest have been linked to various factors, including examination pressure, student grievances, overcrowding, and disciplinary issues.

The discussion has intensified following the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which claimed 16 lives and left several students injured. The tragedy reignited national conversations about student safety, mental health, school management, and discipline.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also raised concerns about challenges facing the education sector, noting that financial constraints and delayed capitation continue to affect schools across the country.

Education stakeholders have proposed several measures to address the crisis, including strengthening guidance and counselling departments, improving communication between schools and parents, and enhancing student support systems.

However, KEWOPA members maintain that stricter disciplinary measures should be considered as part of wider efforts to restore order in schools. Their proposal has added momentum to an ongoing national debate on how best to balance student rights, discipline, safety, and effective learning environments as schools work to prevent further incidents.