The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has renewed calls for the government to introduce a one-week half-term break as cases of student unrest continue to disrupt learning in schools across the country.
The union argues that the wave of strikes and disturbances witnessed in recent weeks has placed immense pressure on teachers, school administrators and learners, creating an increasingly tense learning environment.
KUPPET officials say the proposed break would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address the root causes of the unrest and develop lasting solutions before the situation escalates further.
Speaking on the matter, KUPPET Kisumu Secretary George Osur expressed concern over the safety of teachers, particularly those residing within school compounds. He warned that continued unrest could expose teachers to greater risks if immediate interventions are not implemented.
According to the union, many teachers are working under stressful conditions as schools grapple with student demonstrations, destruction of property and disruptions to normal learning programmes.
Osur called on the Ministry of Education to consider temporarily suspending classes for one week to allow teachers, parents, students and education stakeholders to engage in dialogue and identify the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
He argued that the break would not only ease tensions in schools but also provide an opportunity for parents to be sensitised on challenges affecting learners and the education sector at large.
The call comes at a time when several schools across the country have either sent learners home or temporarily suspended learning following incidents of unrest. Reports indicate that dozens of secondary schools have been affected in recent weeks, prompting growing concern among education stakeholders.
KUPPET believes a structured engagement involving parents, teachers, students and government officials could help prevent further disruptions and restore stability in schools.
However, the proposal faces resistance from sections of the education sector. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has previously stated that the government has no plans to order an unscheduled closure of schools, maintaining that only a small percentage of institutions have been affected.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also opposed changes to the school calendar, citing the financial implications and the need to ensure learners complete the academic syllabus within the set timelines.
Despite the differing views, pressure continues to mount on education authorities as concerns grow over the increasing number of student unrest cases reported in various parts of the country.
With schools continuing to face disruptions, attention is now shifting to how the government and stakeholders will respond to calls for dialogue and measures aimed at restoring calm in learning institutions.
 has renewed calls for the government to introduce a one-week half-term break as cases of student unrest continue to disrupt learning in schools across the country.){kind=link}