Students from St. Patrick Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet going home after the school was closed indefinitely and an insert of destroyed window panes on July 16, 2025
St. Patrick’s Iten Boys High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County has been closed indefinitely following violent student unrest that resulted in significant property damage. The protest, which erupted over students’ resistance to sitting for end-of-term examinations, has raised concerns about discipline and academic management at the national school known for its academic and athletic achievements.
According to Keiyo North Sub-County Director of Education, Alice Sitienei, the students went on a rampage, pelting buildings with stones and damaging classrooms and other school infrastructure. The administration, in consultation with education authorities, opted to send all students home to avert further escalation and allow time for investigations.
Images from the school, located just 500 metres from Iten Township and 32 kilometres from Eldoret, show shattered window panes and vandalised structures, indicating the extent of the destruction. The unrest comes at a time when several schools across the country are facing increased cases of student indiscipline, especially around examination periods.
Sources indicate that some students and stakeholders have raised concerns about the school principal’s alleged failure to maintain academic performance standards. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
St. Patrick’s Iten, a prestigious national school, has built a solid reputation over decades for excellence both in the classroom and on the track. It is especially renowned for producing world-class athletes and notable alumni, including current Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of school disruptions that have marred the academic calendar in Kenya. On May 12, Bukhalalire High School in Busia County was also closed indefinitely after a dormitory fire injured at least six students. Investigations into the cause of that fire are ongoing.
Similarly, St. Mary’s Ukwala High School in Siaya County was shut down in June after students protested over claims of substandard maize flour used in school meals. That protest escalated into property damage and led to a walkout, with students marching to the local education offices to voice their grievances.
The Ministry of Education is expected to address the rising wave of student unrest, which threatens to disrupt learning as schools approach the final term of the academic year. Meanwhile, education officials in Elgeyo Marakwet have begun assessments at St. Patrick’s Iten to determine the full extent of the damage and decide on a way forward for the institution.
