The issue of discipline in Kenyan schools has once again taken center stage following the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students. The incident has reignited national debate on how to manage rising cases of student unrest, indiscipline, and school destruction.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has now stepped into the conversation, proposing a controversial return of corporal punishment in schools. The senator says he is preparing a bill to amend education laws to allow teachers to administer caning as a disciplinary measure, arguing that its removal weakened order in learning institutions.
In his remarks, Khalwale claimed that restoring corporal punishment would help curb indiscipline and reduce incidents such as school arson and property destruction. He also urged parents to take a more active role in disciplining their children, insisting that schools alone cannot manage behavior challenges.
His comments have sparked widespread debate across the country, with some members of the public supporting his proposal as a necessary corrective measure, while others strongly oppose it, warning that it could lead to abuse and violate children’s rights.
Corporal punishment was officially banned in Kenyan schools in 2001 under education regulations issued by the Ministry of Education. The ban was reinforced by the Children’s Act and later strengthened under the Basic Education Act of 2013. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 also guarantees children protection from violence, while the Children Act of 2022 prohibits cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
Despite the legal ban, the Ministry of Education has continued to promote alternative discipline methods such as counseling, mentorship, restorative justice, and stronger parental involvement, all aimed at correcting behavior without physical punishment.
The debate now centers on whether reintroducing corporal punishment would genuinely solve Kenya’s growing discipline challenges or whether it would reverse legal and human rights protections that were put in place over two decades ago.
As lawmakers, educators, and parents weigh in, Senator Khalwale’s proposed bill is expected to intensify national discussion on how best to balance discipline, safety, and the rights of learners in Kenyan schools.
