PS Carren Ageng’o Urges Schools to Embrace Dialogue to Prevent Student Unrest
Principal Secretary Carren Ageng’o has called on schools to adopt stronger dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to curb rising cases of student unrest.
Principal Secretary Carren Ageng’o. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Carren Ageng’o, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare and Social Protection, has urged schools all over the country to keep improving their internal dialogue and the communication links within them, as a response to what seems like a steady rise in cases of student unrest.
She said this after attending a prayer service at Nyakach Girls National School in Kisumu County, and pointed out that schools should lean into alternative dispute resolution ways and also encourage learners to engage openly with school administrators, so that the school remains calm and learning goes on without interruption.
“Open communication with students creates a safe space for learning and it strengthens conflict resolution mechanisms within the school,” Ageng’o said, then sort of added that when that flow is right, things don’t escalate as fast.
The PS also praised the school’s administration for building solid relationships among the students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders, saying it is working through effective disciplinary and communication structures.
“We have seen that the girls are really excited , and they have no complaints. That is a sign of healthy relationships inside the school. I ask other schools to copy this style of positive communication with learners so the environment stays safe for learning, not one of discomfort,” Ageng’o said.
As an alumna of the institution, Ageng’o acknowledged that the school is dealing with real pressure, especially on infrastructure, because the student population has kept growing. She noted that areas like the dining hall and dormitories are running well beyond their intended space.
“This is a school whose facilities are under considerable pressure, because the number of students keeps increasing. The dining hall is overstretched and the dormitories are overcrowded. Still, despite those problems, the students have remained resilient and focused on their education,” she explained.
Ageng’o then called on students nationwide to stay disciplined and committed to studying, stressing that academic achievement is built on dedication, perseverance, and self-control.
“This is a message we should pass to all students and to learning institutions dealing with different challenges, that it is possible to raise disciplined learners who understand the value of staying in school and prioritising their education,” she said.
She also used Nyakach Girls National School as an example, saying it shows how effective learner engagement, coupled with discipline, can bring stability and support academic excellence.
“At this time when some schools are seeing unrest, and students are asking to leave school, Nyakach Girls has chosen another road. The school has shown that discipline works and that learners can stay committed to their studies even with the challenges they face,” she added.
Ageng’o ended by reiterating that consistent dialogue between students and school management is still among the most effective tools for preventing unrest, and for making sure schools offer a proper environment for learning.
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