SCHOOL STRIKES: MKU and School Principals Unite to Curb Student Unrest Across Kenya

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has unveiled a strategic partnership with secondary school principals aimed at addressing the growing challenge of student unrest through professional mediation training.

The initiative was presented during the 2026 Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Conference in Mombasa, where the university called for a shift from traditional punitive disciplinary measures to proactive conflict resolution approaches within schools.

The programme is spearheaded by MKU’s Institute for International and Development Law (IID Law), which seeks to equip school principals with certified mediation skills to help resolve disputes before they escalate into strikes, demonstrations, or acts of arson.

The announcement comes at a time when many Kenyan secondary schools are grappling with increased cases of student unrest, particularly during the second academic term. While school administrations have traditionally relied on disciplinary action to restore order, MKU believes mediation offers a more sustainable and effective solution.

Speaking during the conference, IID Law Principal Judy Ngayu said principals are often at the forefront of handling crises in schools and therefore require practical skills to manage conflicts constructively.

“Principals are often the first responders when crises occur in schools. Through mediation training, we empower them to address grievances at their root, fostering stability and preventing escalation,” said Ngayu.

She noted that mediation promotes dialogue, understanding and early intervention, helping schools establish systems that resolve conflicts before they become major disruptions.

The collaboration brings together the expertise of IID Law and MKU’s School of Education, creating a multidisciplinary approach that combines legal and ethical aspects of mediation with practical school leadership skills.

Under the initiative, principals will have an opportunity to enroll in the Certified Professional Mediation (CPM) programme, which offers formal training in negotiation, conflict analysis, communication, and dispute resolution. Participants who successfully complete the programme can also pursue accreditation through the Judiciary’s Mediation Accreditation Committee (MAC), enabling them to handle both institutional and court-annexed mediation matters.

According to the university, the programme is continuously updated through partnerships with nationally and internationally accredited institutions, ensuring participants receive globally relevant, practical and professionally recognised training.

MKU says one of the key advantages of mediation is the establishment of effective internal grievance mechanisms within schools. Such systems encourage open communication, allowing students to air concerns and have disputes addressed through structured dialogue rather than confrontation.

Education experts attending the conference observed that unresolved grievances, ranging from academic pressure and welfare concerns to communication gaps between students and administrators, often contribute to unrest in schools.

“Dialogue creates trust. When students know their voices matter, the likelihood of unrest reduces significantly,” said an education specialist from MKU’s School of Education.

To encourage participation, MKU announced a special incentive for KESSHA conference delegates. Principals who enroll in the CPM programme through IID Law will receive a KSh. 3,000 discount on application fees by using a designated conference referral code.

The university said the offer demonstrates its commitment to making professional development more accessible while strengthening educational leadership across the country.

The partnership signals a broader shift in how discipline and governance are approached in Kenyan schools. Rather than relying solely on rules and sanctions, the focus is increasingly moving towards relationship-building, effective communication, and restorative practices.

MKU officials expressed confidence that the initiative will help reduce cases of student unrest while contributing to safer learning environments, improved academic performance and stronger school communities.

KESSHA members welcomed the proposal, noting that principals are facing increasing pressure to manage complex student issues in a rapidly changing social environment. Many expressed interest in undertaking the mediation training as part of their professional development.

As schools continue to seek lasting solutions to student unrest, MKU’s collaboration with principals through its Institute for International and Development Law and School of Education offers a forward-looking approach. By investing in professional mediation skills, the initiative aims to transform schools into environments where dialogue prevails over conflict and stability replaces disruption.

If widely adopted, the programme could redefine how educational institutions across Kenya handle disputes, placing mediation at the heart of school leadership, governance, and conflict management.