Senator Khalwale Pushes for Return of Caning in Schools Amid Rising Cases of Student Unrest

Senator Khalwale Pushes for Return of Caning in Schools Amid Rising Cases of Student Unrest

NAIROBI, Kenya – A fresh debate on student discipline has emerged after Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale proposed the reintroduction of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, arguing that the ban on caning has contributed to a growing wave of indiscipline, school unrest, and destructive student protests across the country.

The proposal, announced during a public gathering on Saturday, June 20, is expected to ignite intense discussions among lawmakers, education stakeholders, parents, human rights groups, and teachers over the future of discipline in learning institutions.

Senator Khalwale revealed that he has already drafted legislation that seeks to amend existing education laws and restore caning as a disciplinary measure in schools.

“I have already drafted a Bill seeking to amend education laws and reinstate disciplinary measures that were scrapped by previous Parliaments, so that students who misbehave can be caned,” Khalwale stated.

The outspoken senator argued that teachers have gradually lost their authority to effectively manage student behavior following the abolition of corporal punishment and the introduction of stronger child protection laws.

According to Khalwale, schools are increasingly struggling to deal with cases of indiscipline, leading to frequent incidents of unrest, destruction of property, and disruptions to learning.

“And as a parent, if you do not want a teacher to cane your child, then come and take them home so that other learners can continue with their studies,” he added.

Growing Concern Over School Unrest

The senator’s proposal comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a significant rise in cases of student unrest in secondary schools.

Over the past months, several institutions have reported incidents of strikes, dormitory fires, destruction of school property, and confrontations between students and administrators.

Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the trend, warning that repeated disruptions are negatively affecting learning outcomes and creating safety risks for both students and teachers.

In some cases, schools have been forced to suspend learning indefinitely following incidents of arson and vandalism that left infrastructure worth millions of shillings destroyed.

The growing crisis has prompted calls for a review of existing policies governing student discipline and welfare.

Proposal Likely to Trigger National Debate

Khalwale’s proposal is among several recommendations that have recently been presented to the Ministry of Education as authorities seek solutions to recurring school unrest.

Some education stakeholders have suggested restructuring the academic calendar, introducing additional mid-term breaks, strengthening guidance and counselling programmes, and reviewing disciplinary frameworks.

Supporters of the proposal argue that teachers require stronger disciplinary tools to maintain order and create a conducive learning environment.

However, critics are expected to oppose the move, citing concerns over children’s rights, psychological well-being, and the potential for abuse.

Human rights organizations have consistently maintained that corporal punishment can have long-term negative effects on learners and that alternative disciplinary approaches should be prioritized.

Current Laws Prohibit Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment remains illegal in Kenya under the provisions of the Children’s Act 2022 and the Basic Education Act 2013.

The laws prohibit teachers and school administrators from disciplining learners through physical punishment, including caning.

Instead, schools are encouraged to adopt alternative disciplinary measures that promote positive behavior while protecting the dignity and rights of children.

Teachers found guilty of administering corporal punishment risk facing disciplinary action by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), prosecution under the law, fines, dismissal from service, or imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

The legal framework was introduced as part of broader reforms aimed at aligning Kenya’s education system with international child protection standards and constitutional safeguards.

What Happens Next?

With Khalwale preparing to formally table his proposed Bill in Parliament, attention is now shifting to lawmakers and education stakeholders who will determine whether the proposal gains traction.

The debate is expected to draw strong opinions from parents, teachers, religious leaders, child rights advocates, and policymakers.

As schools continue to grapple with discipline challenges, the proposal has reopened a long-standing national conversation on how best to balance student rights with the need to maintain discipline, safety, and effective learning environments in Kenya’s education system.

Whether Parliament embraces or rejects the proposal, the discussion is likely to remain at the center of education reforms in the months ahead.

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Senator Khalwale Pushes for Return of Caning in Schools Amid Rising Cases of Student Unrest