School Unrest Raises Questions as Education PS Julius Bitok Is Reassigned

Former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. His reassignment comes amid growing concern over a recent surge in student unrest and arson incidents in schools across the country.

Article by: Babz Abdul-Raheem.
Date: June 11,2026.

The recent wave of unrest in schools across the country has sparked debate over the timing of the reassignment of former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, with education stakeholders calling for urgent measures to restore discipline and address emerging challenges in learning institutions.

Over the past few weeks, several schools have reported cases of student unrest, arson attacks, and destruction of property, raising concerns among parents, teachers, and education officials. The incidents have reignited discussions about the state of discipline in schools and the effectiveness of existing intervention measures.

The unrest comes shortly after President William Ruto reshuffled senior government officials, resulting in the reassignment of Julius Bitok from the State Department for Basic Education. During his tenure, Bitok oversaw key reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), expansion of school infrastructure, and efforts aimed at improving learner welfare.

Education experts have cautioned against directly linking the unrest to the leadership changes, noting that student indiscipline has been a recurring challenge over the years. However, some observers argue that the transition presents an opportunity for the new leadership to review existing policies and strengthen mechanisms for conflict resolution, guidance, and counseling in schools.

Parents' associations and teachers' unions have called for a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the unrest, citing concerns over academic pressure, social influences, mental health challenges, and disciplinary gaps within institutions.

The Ministry of Education has assured the public that measures are being put in place to address the incidents and safeguard learners. Officials have emphasized the need for collaboration between school administrators, parents, security agencies, and students to prevent further disruptions.

As schools continue to grapple with the unrest, attention is now shifting to the incoming leadership at the State Department for Basic Education and how it will respond to the growing concerns. Stakeholders say restoring order and ensuring a conducive learning environment will be critical as the education sector navigates the challenges ahead.

The recent incidents have once again highlighted the importance of proactive engagement with learners and the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of school unrest across the country.