Nakuru High School has been closed indefinitely following a night of violent student unrest on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The students, angered over a range of grievances—including changes in meal plans and payment systems—went on a rampage, destroying school property before police intervened to restore order.
What Sparked the Chaos?
Reports indicate that the well-coordinated protest began at around 8:50 PM, lasting for nearly six hours. The students’ frustrations stemmed from multiple concerns, primarily centered around:
✔️ The removal of a popular meal – Students were upset after the administration scrapped the mid-morning tea and bread from the meal schedule.
✔️ Milk removal from morning tea – The decision to serve tea without milk further fueled their dissatisfaction.
✔️ Change in payment system at the canteen – The school introduced a card-based payment system, replacing cash transactions, which many students opposed.
✔️ Lack of entertainment upgrades – Students claimed they paid a small fee for entertainment facilities, yet improvements had not been made.
Destruction and Looting
As tensions escalated, the students resorted to vandalism and looting, damaging key areas of the institution, including:
- The administration block
- Classrooms and dormitories
- The dining hall and food storage rooms
During the chaos, some students even raided the dining hall, stealing food supplies—some consuming items on the spot.
Police were called in to quell the situation, with Nakuru County Director of Education (CDE) Victoria Mulili also stepping in to help restore order.
School Closure and Fallout
Following the incident, Nakuru High School was shut down indefinitely, with students being sent home on Monday, February 10. Authorities suggest the institution may remain closed for at least a week as investigations continue.
This marks the latest case of student unrest in Kenya, following a similar strike at Teremi High School in Bungoma County just two weeks prior. There, students stormed the principal’s home, damaging his property, including his vehicle and house, in protest over declining KCSE performance.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Cases of Student Unrest
The Nakuru High School riots reflect a growing trend of student dissatisfaction and institutional protests across Kenyan schools. As authorities investigate the root causes of the unrest, education officials will need to re-evaluate policies surrounding student welfare, communication, and discipline management.
For now, learning at Nakuru High School remains on hold, with students waiting for further directives on when they may return.
