A wave of unrest has disrupted learning in about 100 schools across Kenya in the early weeks of Term Two, forcing several institutions to send students home as authorities grapple with rising cases of strikes, arson, and vandalism. The affected schools are spread across Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Central, Eastern, Western and Nyanza regions, pointing to a widespread and fast-moving trend that has unsettled the education sector at a critical point in the academic calendar. Among the institutions reported to have been affected are Lenana School, Loreto High School Limuru, Buruburu Girls High School, Nakuru Girls High School, Naivasha Girls High…
Author: Davin Muthoni
Ten students from Alliance High School have been arrested in connection with a fire that broke out at the institution’s mattress storage area on Thursday morning, as investigations into the incident continue. Board of Management chairperson Sam Ncheeri confirmed the arrests, saying police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine the role of the suspects. The development comes shortly after the school was temporarily closed following the incident, which raised concern among parents and prompted internal reviews by the administration. In a communication to parents dated June 4, the school principal said learners were not in…
Nine students from Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil, suspected in a dormitory fire that killed 16 learners, will remain in custody for 21 days after a Naivasha court ordered their detention. Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan granted the prosecution’s application but reduced the requested 30-day detention period to 21 days, saying it would allow investigators sufficient time to complete their inquiries. He also declined to release the suspects on bail or bond, agreeing that the prosecution had presented compelling grounds. The case will be mentioned on 24 June 2026 for a progress update and further directions. The prosecution told the court…
Kenyans have been warned about the growing presence of cereals contaminated with dangerous levels of aflatoxins in local markets, raising concerns over food safety and the potential health risks posed to consumers. The alert follows findings by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), which revealed that some cereal samples collected from markets across the country contained aflatoxin levels far above internationally accepted safety limits. Speaking during celebrations to mark World Food Safety Day on June 2, KALRO Director General Patrick Ketiem disclosed that some products recorded contamination levels of up to 500 parts per billion (ppb), significantly exceeding…
United States President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Henry Wooster as the next US ambassador to Kenya, filling a position that has remained vacant for nearly 19 months at a time of heightened diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Washington. The nomination, announced by the White House on Tuesday, is subject to approval by the US Senate. If confirmed, Wooster will take charge of one of America’s most strategically important diplomatic missions in Africa amid ongoing discussions over trade, regional security and public health cooperation. His nomination comes at a sensitive period in US-Kenya relations, with both countries navigating controversy…
Seven students being held by police over the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy have reportedly disclosed what drove the arson attack that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left several others injured. According to investigators, statements recorded from the suspects point to growing frustration among some Form Four students following a decision by the school administration to bring forward examination dates from 16 June to 2 June. Preliminary investigations have also linked the unrest to disagreements over funding for a cultural event. The students were reportedly unhappy after being instructed to contribute towards costs that had previously been…
President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s decision to support the establishment of an Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, insisting the move is part of a long-standing partnership with the United States and aimed at strengthening the country’s readiness against potential outbreaks. Speaking to the media on Monday evening, the President said the decision followed a request from U.S. President Donald Trump and was based on Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling global health threats. “Our partnership with the American government is a mutual agreement. When President Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a…
The High Court has issued fresh conservatory orders stopping the government from establishing or operating any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States or any other foreign entity. The orders, issued after the Attorney General failed to appear in court, came in a petition filed by Katiba Institute challenging the alleged plan to host Ebola-related facilities in the country. “Since the respondents are not in court, it is ordered that pending the hearing and determination of the petition, orders will be issued in terms of prayer F, H and I….” Court…
President William Ruto has said he will accept the results of the 2027 General Election, pledging to respect the will of voters whether he wins a second term or is defeated. Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday under the Kenya Kwanza administration, the President said he would step aside if he loses, but would also fully commit to governing should he be re-elected. The event, held amid appeals for political tolerance and national unity ahead of the polls, brought together top leaders including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Speakers Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi, Prime…
The High Court has temporarily barred the government from establishing or operating any Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya under agreements with the United States or any other foreign partner. The court also prohibited authorities from admitting, transferring, or facilitating the entry into the country of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebolas under the disputed arrangement, pending the determination of the case. The conservatory orders were issued after the court certified as urgent a petition filed by the Katiba Institute challenging the reported agreement. The petition questions an alleged deal involving Kenya and foreign governments, including the…
