Chebwagan Boys High School Closed Indefinitely Following Student Unrest

KERICHO, Kenya — Chebwagan Boys High School in Kericho County has been shut down indefinitely following student protests that occurred on the night of Sunday, January 11, less than a week after the institution reopened for the 2026 academic term.

The Kericho County Director of Education issued the closure order on Monday morning in an effort to de-escalate the situation and restore order at the secondary institution.

Grievances Over Meals and Examination Performance

According to the county education director, the unrest stemmed from student dissatisfaction with the school administration on multiple fronts. Students allegedly raised concerns about inadequate dietary provisions for Form Four candidates during the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination period last year.

Additionally, reports indicate that students expressed disappointment with the institution’s performance in the national examinations, directing their frustration toward the current school leadership.

Police Supervision During Dispersal

Video footage obtained by media outlets on Monday morning showed students departing the school premises carrying their personal belongings under the supervision of law enforcement officers who had been deployed to the scene.

The students were observed leaving through the main gate in an orderly manner as police monitored the evacuation process.

Extent of Damage Unclear

At the time of reporting, it remained unconfirmed whether any school property was damaged during the protest. Authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the condition of facilities or infrastructure within the school compound.

Witnesses reported that residents from neighboring areas made their way to the school upon learning of the disturbance, apparently seeking to help contain the situation and prevent potential property destruction.

Awaiting Official Response

School administrators have not issued a public statement addressing the incident or the circumstances that led to the student action. The timeline for reopening the institution and resuming academic activities remains uncertain.

The closure adds to a pattern of student unrest that occasionally affects Kenyan secondary schools, often linked to grievances over living conditions, administrative decisions, or academic performance concerns.

Parents and guardians are expected to await further communication from school authorities and the county education office regarding the next steps and the conditions under which students will be permitted to return.

The Ministry of Education has not yet commented on the incident at the county or national level.