Causes of Student Strikes in Secondary Schools in Kenya

Student strikes in Kenyan secondary schools have been a recurring challenge, particularly in public schools. Various studies and observations have identified multiple factors that contribute to these strikes. These causes can be categorized into administrative, societal, environmental, and political influences.

1. Studies on Student Strikes in Kenya

(a) Study on Student Strikes in Nairobi (2002) – Florence Wanjiru

This study examined the causes of secondary school strikes in Nairobi Province and proposed possible solutions.

Key Findings:

• Poor communication between administrators and students
  • Many school heads were described as dictatorial, issuing decrees without engaging students or teachers.
• Drug and substance abuse
  • Drugs were easily accessible, especially in schools located in urban residential areas.
• Ineffective guidance and counseling services
  • Teachers prioritized covering the syllabus over offering psychosocial support to students.
• Poor parenting
  • Lack of parental guidance contributed to student indiscipline.
• Lack of essential school facilities
  • Overcrowded dormitories, inadequate sanitation, and poor infrastructure led to frustration among students.
• Poor food quality
  • Poorly cooked or inadequate meals were cited as a major grievance.
• Political interference
  • External political actors sometimes incited students against school administrations.

(b) Study on Student Strikes in Meru North (2011) – Francis M’itiiri

This study examined historical and contemporary causes of secondary school strikes in Meru North District.

Key Findings:

• Poor public relations between teachers and students
• Poor nutrition and food shortages
• Peer pressure leading to collective unrest
• Substance abuse and indiscipline
• Bad leadership and external political interference
• Monotonous teaching methods leading to student disengagement
• Examination-related anxiety
  • Pressure to perform well in national exams often led to rebellion and school unrest.

2. Other Causes of Student Strikes in Kenya

(a) Student Perspectives and Classroom Environment

• Lack of student involvement in decision-making
  • Many students feel neglected in school governance, leading to resentment.
• Boredom and rigid school routines
  • Repetitive learning methods make school feel like a prison.
• Irrelevance of the curriculum
  • Students question why they are learning certain subjects if they do not relate to real-life situations.
• Lack of personalized attention from teachers
  • Students feel unnoticed, leading to disinterest and rebellion.

(b) Observations by Ms. Eva Nchogu (Secondary School Teacher)

Ms. Nchogu, a Kenyan secondary school teacher, highlights three major causes of student unrest:

1. Congestion in Schools

• Overcrowding in classrooms, dormitories, and dining halls creates frustration.
• Some schools host 55 to 70 students per class, far beyond the recommended 45 students.
• Limited personal space leads to tension and aggression among students.

2. Poor Teacher-Student Relationships

• Lack of mutual respect between teachers and students leads to mistrust.
• Parents often berate teachers in front of students, lowering the authority of teachers.
• Overworked teachers handling 27–35 lessons per week have little time to connect with students.

3. Corruption in School Management

• Bribery and favoritism in hiring teachers and admitting students.
• Corrupt school boards involved in embezzling school funds.
• Poor-quality food, despite high school fees, frustrates students.
• Political interference in school governance fuels power struggles.

3. Root Causes and Solutions

(a) Root Causes

• Authoritarian school administration
• Poor school facilities and overcrowding
• Corruption in resource management
• Lack of psychosocial support for students
• Examination pressure and rigid curriculum
• External political influence

(b) Possible Solutions

• Improve student engagement in decision-making
  • Schools should involve student councils in key policy decisions.
• Enhance teacher-student relationships
  • Encourage open communication and mutual respect between students and teachers.
• Address congestion in schools
  • Reduce class sizes and improve dormitory conditions.
• Strengthen guidance and counseling
  • Ensure schools have qualified counselors to support students.
• Eliminate corruption in school management
  • Implement transparent financial audits to curb resource mismanagement.
• Improve school diet and sanitation
  • Ensure students receive proper meals and have access to adequate sanitation.
• Reform the curriculum
  • Make learning more engaging and relevant to real-life situations.

Conclusion

Student strikes in Kenyan secondary schools are often symptoms of deeper structural problems. Addressing school management issues, teacher-student relationships, curriculum relevance, and school facilities is key to preventing future unrest. Proper governance, transparency, and student involvement can create a more stable and productive learning environment.