A wave of student unrest has led to the indefinite closure of several secondary schools across Kenya in the second term of 2026, forcing administrators to send learners home as authorities move in to restore order and investigate the incidents.
Several closed schools have linked the unrest to complaints over inadequate food supply, poor living conditions in boarding facilities, and concerns about the quality of education.
The incidents have disrupted learning, with administrations suspending operations to address the reported grievances and restore order. Similar incidents have been reported in the following schools;
List Of Closed Kenyan Schools
June 3 – Loreto Girls High School, Limuru, Kiambu County
The school was closed indefinitely following overnight student unrest.
Parents were directed to collect learners as authorities moved in to restore order and assess the situation.
June 2 – Lenana School, Nairobi County
The school was temporarily closed following disturbances during night preps on June 1.
Board of Management suspended learning to assess the situation, with parents instructed to pick up students.
June 2 – Tarakwa High School, Bomet County
A fire broke out in the early morning hours, damaging school property.
No casualties were reported, and investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident.
June 2 – Naivasha Girls High School, Nakuru County
The school was closed indefinitely following student unrest, with all learners sent home.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the unrest and assessing the situation for further action.
May 30 – St. Paul Githakwa Secondary School, Tetu Sub-County, Nyeri County
A girls’ dormitory fire occurred around 2 a.m., but staff and students managed to contain the blaze before it spread.
About 20 beds were destroyed, with no injuries reported. Investigations indicate suspected arson linked to planned student unrest, with four learners arrested.
May 30 – St. Joseph’s Seminary Senior School, Molo, Nakuru County
A fire broke out in a Form Two dormitory during the night, causing significant damage to school property.
All students were safely evacuated with no injuries reported, while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Also Read: Panic as Two More School Fires Erupt Days After Deadly Dormitory Tragedy
May 28 – Utumishi Girls Academy Senior Secondary School, Gilgil, Nakuru County
A dormitory fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, resulting in a major tragedy. Preliminary reports indicate 16 learners died and 79 others were injured.
The school was closed following the incident, with investigations and CCTV analysis pointing to possible student involvement.
Following the incident, nine students were identified as having participated in the arson incident, as the findings were based on an enhanced review of CCTV footage.
May 20 – Ingotse Boys High School, Kakamega County
The institution was closed indefinitely after students engaged in violent unrest that led to destruction of school property.
Learners damaged facilities within the school before leaving the compound, prompting investigations.
Also Read: Fresh Details Emerge As DCI Reveal Cause of Fatal Utumishi Girls Blaze
May 12 – State House Girls High School, Nairobi County
The school was closed indefinitely following student unrest linked to planned protests over complaints on food supply, living conditions in boarding facilities, and concerns about the quality of education.
Learning was suspended as the administration moved to restore order and address the situation.
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