By JANE WAITHIRA
Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has called for a review of the second-term academic calendar, saying it could provide a lasting solution to the perennial unrest witnessed in schools across the country.
Nyoro noted that cases of strikes and arson in learning institutions have persisted for years, underscoring the need for the government to find a sustainable remedy.
Speaking during an education forum in his constituency, the legislator proposed the introduction of two short breaks during the second term, which is widely regarded as the longest and most demanding term in the school calendar.
According to the MP, the additional breaks would help ease pressure on learners and reduce the destruction of property that often accompanies school unrest.
“I urge the Ministry of Education to look at the situation and make the right decision for this particular moment,” said Nyoro.
“If we find that the term is too long, we can introduce two short breaks to allow students to relieve pressure, making the situation more manageable,” he added.
Nyoro said the matter requires careful consideration, stressing that while education remains critical, it is equally important to address the challenges affecting learners.
“Instead of chest-thumping, the government should examine what can be done about the second term, which has consistently proven problematic,” he said.
The MP was responding to remarks by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who recently ruled out an early mid-term break despite the unrest reported in some schools.
Bitok maintained that learning is continuing normally in the majority of schools and that only a small percentage of institutions have been affected.
The PS insisted that the academic calendar would remain unchanged but urged teachers to remain vigilant, watch out for warning signs, and engage students through dialogue.
According to Nyoro, the government’s hardline stance could worsen the situation by triggering more unrest among learners.
“We need to have a national dialogue on how to deal with this issue and find a lasting solution,” he said.
However, the legislator attributed the unrest in schools to the erosion of national values, calling for deep reflection on the country’s moral and social direction.
“We need to recalibrate our values as a country and get back on the right track because our children are doing what they see us doing,” he said.
