The recent arrest of seven students from St Patrick’s High School Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County over allegations of burning a school dormitory has renewed concerns over the rising cases of unrest in learning institutions across the region.
The seven students were arraigned before Iten Chief Magistrate Gladys Adhiambo and accused of setting ablaze a dormitory at the national boys’ school on July 22, 2026, at around 12:30 a.m.
During the incident, 10 mattresses, 20 blankets, and 10 bedsheets were destroyed. The investigating officer asked the court for three days to complete investigations, citing the need to gather more evidence to support the case.
The students, however, pleaded guilty to the charges, with the matter set to come up for mention on July 27, 2026.
The incident has further placed St Patrick’s Iten under scrutiny, coming amid revelations that this is the second time students at the institution have attempted to set the school on fire, raising questions over discipline and security measures within the school.
The latest case comes at a time when several schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County have experienced disruptions linked to student unrest.
Tambach High School has particularly been at the centre of concern after recording three student strikes within the year, prompting calls from education stakeholders for urgent interventions to address the underlying causes of unrest.
Stakeholders have attributed the increasing cases of indiscipline in schools to various factors, including pressure among students, poor conflict resolution mechanisms, and emerging challenges affecting the learning environment.
Education officials and school administrators have continued to urge learners to seek peaceful ways of addressing grievances instead of resorting to destruction of property, warning that such actions not only disrupt education but also expose students to criminal charges.
The incidents have sparked renewed debate on the need to strengthen guidance and counselling programmes, enhance parental involvement, and improve communication between students, teachers, and school management to prevent further unrest in schools.
