by Timothy Cerullo on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – 4:44 pm A group of secondary students walking in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Photo Photo A proposal seeking to gradually phase out boarding schools countrywide and replace them with a hybrid system has been formally tabled before the Senate for consideration. The move is part of a broader set of proposed reforms aimed at addressing the rising cases of student unrest, arson attacks and insecurity in senior secondary schools in Kenya. The motion, sponsored by Senators Catherine Mumma and Veronica Maina and submitted on Wednesday, June 17, raises concerns over recurring school fires and unrest that have led to loss of lives, destruction of property and learning disruption. Maina argued that despite existing laws requiring safe learning environments, the country continues to experience frequent school unrest and fires, exposing learners to risks. Entrance to the Senate chambers in Nairobi. Mzalendo Among the proposals is a recommendation that the Education Ministry develop a framework to gradually eliminate all boarding schools and replace them with a hybrid system. “Kenya continues to witness recurrent cases of student unrest, school strikes and arson attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning,” the notice read in part. “The Senate therefore resolves that the Ministry of Education should develop modalities for phasing out boarding schools and introducing a hybrid set-up where all schools have both day and boarding arrangements,” the notice added. The lawmakers also called for mandatory annual fire safety audits in all boarding institutions and installation of emergency exits, firefighting equipment and fire detection systems. During the submissions, the duo further called for the development of clear national evacuation and disaster response protocols. Additionally, the Ministry of Education would also be required to table a comprehensive report on the implementation of recommendations from past school fire investigations. The proposal further calls for increased investment by national and county governments in modern firefighting infrastructure, emergency response systems, communication equipment and disaster management training. At the same time, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would be tasked with strengthening student discipline, learner well-being and stakeholder engagement to address the underlying causes of unrest in schools. To ensure lasting solutions, the Senate Standing Committee on Education would be required to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into school unrest and arson attacks and submit its findings within 90 days. Candidates from St Anne’s Girls High School, Lioki, in Kiambu County sit for KCSE papers on November 6, 2023. Photo KNEC . . . Latest News Bullet Recovered as Postmortem Reveals Cause of Death of Nanyuki Student Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:28 pm KNEC Responds to Plans for Major Shift Ahead of KCSE, KJSEA Exams Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:11 pm Relief for Kenyans Filing Taxes as KRA Announces Immediate Changes Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:01 pm Senators Propose Scrapping of All Boarding Schools in New Reforms Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 4:44 pm Kenya Eyes Major KDF Upgrade After UAE Deal Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 4:15 pm Court Rejects Appeal by Man Who Claims to Be Gachagua’s Nephew Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:47 pm COTU Sends Fresh Warning to Employers After Major Court Ruling Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:36 pm Kisumu Deputy Governor Reveals Details of Raila Odinga Centre and Library Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:21 pm Ruto Holds Talks with ChatGPT CEO for AI Academy in Nairobi Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:04 pm Naivasha Court Orders Extradition of U.S.-Based Kenyan Couple Over Alleged Plot to Kill Five Relatives Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:52 pm Sifuna Removed From Powerful Senate Committee Headed By Oburu Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:41 pm Alarm as Teachers Seek Transfers Ahead of 2027 Elections Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:17 pm Load More