NAIROBI, Kenya—Lenana School has been closed indefinitely following student unrest on Monday night that left property damaged and disrupted learning at the prestigious Nairobi institution.
The closure comes amid growing concern over a fresh wave of instability in Kenyan schools, just days after a deadly dormitory fire in Gilgil claimed the lives of 16 students and renewed debate over safety and discipline in learning institutions.
According to a statement issued by Chief Principal William Kemei, the unrest erupted on the night of June 1 after students expressed dissatisfaction with the organisation and management of the school’s annual Maroon Festival, a talent showcase event held over the weekend.
The school administration said it engaged students in overnight consultations in an attempt to address their grievances before resolving to close the institution and send learners home to restore calm and safeguard the welfare of students and staff.
A preliminary assessment conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities revealed extensive damage to school property.
“Preliminary assessment with the relevant authorities point to damages within the institution areas on window panes within the main school hall, library, classrooms, science laboratories rooms and damage to some CCTV cameras,” the school said in a statement.
Students reportedly raised concerns over low attendance by invited schools, dissatisfaction with the entertainment lineup, and what they viewed as poor value for money contributed towards the event.
Some learners also complained that only six of the 40 schools invited to participate attended the festival and argued that the stage setup did not match the scale and expectations of the event.
School management confirmed that all students were safely accounted for before departure and that parents and relevant stakeholders had been informed of the situation.
The administration further stated that consultations had been held with officials from the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Board of Management, parents’ representatives, and security agencies from Dagoretti South Sub-County.
The incident adds to growing concern over rising cases of student unrest in secondary schools across the country. Education stakeholders have increasingly called for stronger guidance and counselling programmes, improved communication between learners and school administrators, and enhanced safety measures within boarding institutions.
Authorities are expected to continue assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the unrest before a decision is made on the school’s reopening.
