ST. PATRICK’S ITEN BOYS CLOSED AFTER VIOLENT STUDENT PROTEST

St. Patrick’s Iten Boys High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County has been closed indefinitely following a violent student protest that resulted in the destruction of school property. The unrest reportedly began after students objected to the administration’s decision to proceed with this term’s examinations. In response, school officials sent all students home as a precaution. Keiyo North Sub-County Director of Education, Alice Sitienei, confirmed the incident, noting that the students went on a rampage and damaged various facilities within the school compound in protest against the upcoming exams.

Additionally, reports suggest the school principal faced criticism from students and other stakeholders for allegedly failing to maintain academic standards, a factor they claimed contributed to the school's declining performance. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

St. Patrick’s Iten Boys is widely respected for its academic excellence and strong athletic reputation and is considered one of Kenya’s leading national schools. The institution counts among its alumni Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

This incident adds to a growing list of school disruptions across the country, marked by student unrest and property destruction. On May 12, Bukhalalire High School in Busia County was also closed indefinitely after a dormitory fire injured at least six students. Butula Sub-County Director of Education John Kemei ordered the closure to allow for investigations. Similarly, last month, St. Mary’s Ukwala High School in Siaya County was shut down after students rioted over complaints about the poor quality of maize flour used to prepare their meals.