Why Lenana School Closed – Maroon Festival ?
NAIROBI, Kenya — Lenana School has been closed indefinitely following a night of student unrest sparked by dissatisfaction with the institution’s annual Maroon Festival.
The administration made the decision to send students home on the morning of June 2, 2026, to de-escalate tensions and ensure learner safety.
Chief Principal William K. Kemei confirmed in an official brief that the unrest erupted on the night of June 1. A section of students caused disturbances and damaged school property, expressing deep frustration over the organization and management of the highly anticipated event.
Property Damage and Safety Measures
A preliminary assessment by relevant authorities revealed significant damage to tuition areas. Students shattered window panes in the main school hall, library, classrooms, and science laboratories, and destroyed several CCTV cameras.
Despite the chaotic night, the administration quickly intervened alongside security and education stakeholders. “The students were engaged at the school assembly where the administration conveyed the decision to release them in the morning,” the brief stated. Following the announcement, students peacefully retreated to their dormitories. All students have been accounted for via morning roll calls.
For more updates on school safety and administration guidelines, visit teacher.co.ke.
Student Grievances: The Maroon Festival Fallout
The Maroon Festival, an annual event designed to showcase student talent, was held on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This year’s theme was “Creating, Innovating and Connecting CBC Skills through Artificial Intelligence.” However, the execution fell drastically short of student expectations.
According to the school’s report, students cited several key grievances:
- Poor Attendance: Only 6 out of the 40 invited schools turned up, and students complained that their preferred schools were absent.
- Missing Headline Artist: The organizers failed to secure the students’ preferred artist, who was reportedly engaged elsewhere.
- Financial Dissatisfaction: Students felt they did not receive value for the money they contributed toward the event.
- Substandard Setup: The stage and platform constructed for the festival were deemed too small and inadequate for the event’s scale.
Stakeholder Engagement and Next Steps
Upon receiving reports of the unrest, the school administration immediately convened an emergency meeting with student leaders. They also deployed house masters, deputy principals, and guidance personnel to enhance supervision across all boarding houses.
Recognizing the need for a coordinated intervention, Lenana School management has engaged multiple stakeholders, including the Board of Management, Parents Association, Ministry of Education officials, and local security organs like the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) for Dagoretti Division.
The school will remain closed until further notice as investigations continue and repairs are planned.
