The controversial practice of caning students could return to Kenyan schools following renewed calls by lawmakers to review the laws prohibiting corporal punishment.
The National Assembly Committee on Education has indicated that it is considering proposals seeking to remove legal provisions outlawing physical punishment as concerns grow over student indiscipline, school unrest and attacks on teachers.
Committee chairman and Tinderet MP Julius Melly confirmed that proposals seeking changes to the existing law had been presented to the committee. He also acknowledged the role played by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in pushing for the proposed review.
Speaking during an engagement with education stakeholders, Melly questioned why teachers face legal consequences for physically disciplining learners while students accused of assaulting teachers appear to face less decisive action.
He argued that some learners have become increasingly difficult to manage, leaving teachers struggling to maintain order because of restrictions imposed by existing laws.
The debate comes amid growing reports of violence in learning institutions, including attacks on teachers, destruction of school property and incidents of unrest involving students.
Kenya abolished corporal punishment in schools in 2001 before the prohibition was reinforced under the Basic Education Act of 2013. The law prohibits physical and psychological punishment of learners.
However, the proposed changes have reopened a nationwide debate about whether bringing back the cane would help restore discipline or expose learners to physical and psychological abuse.
The latest development has attracted attention from parents, teachers and education stakeholders, with opinions divided over the best way to address misconduct in schools.
As Parliament continues reviewing education reforms, the committee's position could determine whether the country revisits one of its most controversial education policies.
The question now remains whether bringing back the cane is the solution to Kenya's growing school discipline challenges.
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