Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale wants caning reinstated in Kenyan schools as a solution to growing indiscipline and unrest. Here's what he's proposing.
Khalwale Wants the Cane Back in Kenyan Classrooms
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has reignited a debate that many thought was settled years ago — should teachers be allowed to cane students again?
Speaking at a public gathering on Saturday, June 20, the outspoken senator announced he has already drafted a bill seeking to amend Kenya's education laws and bring back corporal punishment in schools. His reasoning? The country is witnessing a worrying spike in student unrest, arson, and destruction of school property, and according to him, taking away the cane took away discipline too.
"Take Your Child Home" — Khalwale's Blunt Message to Parents
Khalwale didn't mince his words. He told parents who are uncomfortable with their children being caned to simply withdraw them from school.
"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," he said. "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."
It's the kind of statement that's sure to spark heated reactions — from relieved teachers who feel disarmed in their own classrooms, to parents and child rights advocates who'll see it as a step backward.
Why Khalwale Thinks the Current System Has Failed
The senator argues that scrapping corporal punishment stripped teachers of an effective disciplinary tool, leaving them powerless as student behavior spirals. He points to the numbers as proof: over 200 schools have closed indefinitely this term following unrest, some of it escalating into fires and destroyed infrastructure.
For Khalwale, the timing isn't coincidental — he believes the rules meant to protect children's rights inadvertently opened the door to chaos in schools.
The Law Still Says No to Caning
Here's the catch — corporal punishment remains illegal in Kenya. Both the Children's Act 2022 and the Basic Education Act 2013 explicitly bar teachers from caning learners. Any teacher caught doing so risks serious consequences from the Teachers Service Commission, including heavy fines, dismissal, or even imprisonment.
So while Khalwale can table his bill, actually changing the law would require Parliament to override protections that have been in place for years.
Khalwale's Proposal Isn't Happening in Isolation
This call comes as the Ministry of Education grapples with multiple proposals to fix what's clearly a broken system. Beyond corporal punishment, suggestions on the table include restructuring the second school term and introducing two mid-term breaks to ease pressure on students.
Whether caning makes a comeback or not, one thing is clear — Kenya's education stakeholders agree something needs to change. The question is whether the cane is really the answer, or just a return to a chapter many fought hard to close.