Political aspirants in Laikipia County have been warned against using learning institutions as platforms for political mobilisation as the government intensifies efforts to address rising cases of student unrest reported in schools across the country.
Laikipia County Commissioner Duncan Muyesu said schools must remain secure and neutral environments dedicated to learning, character development and academic excellence, warning that any attempts by politicians or their agents to conduct campaign activities within educational institutions would not be tolerated.
Speaking during Nanyuki High School’s annual thanksgiving ceremony, Muyesu emphasized that schools should be protected from external influences that could interfere with learning and discipline.
“All schools within the county are safe, and we shall not entertain strangers in learning institutions, particularly aspirants using schools as platforms for political mobilisation. If you want votes, hold your campaigns elsewhere. Schools are for learning and shaping responsible citizens,” said Muyesu.
The County Commissioner noted that learning institutions play a critical role in nurturing future leaders and therefore must remain free from activities that may distract students from their educational goals.
His remarks come amid growing concern over incidents of student unrest that have been reported in some schools in different parts of the country, prompting education stakeholders to call for greater collaboration among teachers, parents and learners in addressing emerging challenges.
During the ceremony, education officials urged students to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms whenever disagreements arise instead of engaging in destructive behaviour that disrupts learning.
Assistant Director in the Ministry of Education Nelson Sifuna, who was the chief guest at the event, challenged learners to adopt constructive engagement as a means of resolving grievances.
“Whenever challenges arise, let us seek dialogue through peaceful and constructive engagement rather than confrontation. Teachers and parents must also maintain open communication channels to resolve disagreements,” said Sifuna.
The education official warned that student unrest often results in destruction of school property, interruption of learning programmes and poor academic outcomes, adding that maintaining discipline remains essential for academic success.
“School unrest has far-reaching consequences. It affects not only the learners involved but also the entire school community. Valuable learning time is lost, infrastructure is damaged and academic programmes are disrupted. Discipline remains the foundation upon which academic excellence is built,” he said.
Sifuna commended Nanyuki High School for maintaining a culture of discipline and academic focus despite challenges facing some institutions elsewhere in the country.
He attributed the school’s consistent academic performance to the collective efforts of teachers, parents, the Board of Management and students who have remained committed to achieving educational excellence.
The Assistant Director also used the occasion to highlight ongoing government efforts to strengthen digital learning and prepare learners for an increasingly technology-driven world.
According to Sifuna, the Ministry of Education is investing heavily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, innovation and research to equip learners with skills required in the modern economy.
“We continue to invest in digital learning, ICT integration, STEM education, innovation and research. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future technology but a present reality. Learners must be prepared for a world where AI is part of everyday life,” he said.
He noted that the government is expanding ICT infrastructure in schools to ensure learners across the country have access to digital learning opportunities and are not left behind in the ongoing technological transformation.
Sifuna singled out Nanyuki High School as one of the institutions making notable progress in promoting digital literacy and ICT skills among students.
However, he observed that the school requires additional computer laboratories and ICT facilities to accommodate the growing student population and further strengthen technology-based learning.
“As a ministry, we are keen on ensuring that every learner acquires digital skills that will enable them to compete effectively in the modern world. Schools such as Nanyuki High have demonstrated commitment in this area and deserve support to expand their ICT infrastructure,” he said.
The thanksgiving ceremony also served as a platform to celebrate academic excellence, with more than 100 top-performing students from the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations receiving cash prizes and laptop computers in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
Parents, teachers and education stakeholders applauded the learners for their dedication and hard work, describing the awards as a motivation for other students to strive for excellence.
Nanyuki High School Chief Principal Solomon Koech said the institution had registered impressive performance in the 2025 KCSE examinations, with a significant number of candidates attaining university entry grades.
The principal attributed the success to discipline, commitment from teachers and strong support from parents and stakeholders.
“Out of 477 candidates, 448 attained C+ and above, which enabled their transition to higher education,” said Koech.
He praised students for maintaining focus on their studies and urged them to continue working hard to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
“Academic success is never an individual effort. It is a product of teamwork involving learners, teachers, parents and all stakeholders. We are proud of what our students have achieved and we encourage them to remain disciplined and focused,” he said.
Koech revealed that the school has registered 476 candidates for the current KCSE examination cycle and expressed optimism that the institution would continue posting strong results.
He called on stakeholders to continue supporting school programmes aimed at improving academic performance, discipline and holistic development of learners.
The principal also emphasized the importance of mentorship programmes in guiding students to make responsible decisions and avoid behaviours that could negatively affect their education.
Education stakeholders who attended the event underscored the need for continuous collaboration between schools, parents and government agencies to create conducive learning environments that support academic achievement and personal growth.
They noted that discipline, effective leadership, modern infrastructure and access to digital learning resources remain key ingredients in preparing learners for future opportunities in higher education and the job market.
The thanksgiving ceremony brought together education officials, teachers, parents, alumni and community leaders who joined students in celebrating the school’s academic achievements while reaffirming their commitment to nurturing responsible and productive citizens through quality education.
