Kenya Minute.
Monday, 29 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 29 June 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Person

Julius Bitok

Also known as: Basic Education PS Julius Bitok · Prof. Julius Bitok · former Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · Prof. Bitok · Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · Amb. (Prof) Julius Bitok · Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · PS Julius Bitok · Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok · Professor Julius Bitok · Prof Bitok

Tourism Principal Secretary who previously led Basic Education, reassigned from the latter role in June 2026 amid school unrest.

2026-04-292026-06-29
Share on WhatsApp

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026

  2. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeEducation PS Julius Bitok addresses the Press after prize giving day at Kenya High School. …

    PS Bitok says schools will not close early despite unrest

  3. The Standard

    … Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said there were no plans for unscheduled closure of schools for the half-term break.He noted that only 0.8 per cent of secondary schools across the country have been affected by the wave of unrest. …

    Kapenguria Boys closed indefinitely as wave of unrest spreads

  4. The Standard

    … rning that the situation is escalating beyond routine disciplinary challenges and now requires coordinated national intervention.Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Chairman Omboko Milemba has called on Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok …

    Stakeholders push for urgent dialogue on schools' unrest

  5. PS Bitok warns students behind school fires of legal consequences

    1. Capital News

      … Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the exercise, which will run for ten days, is aimed at assessing whether boarding schools across the country comply with required safety standards. …

      Government Orders Nationwide Audit of Boarding Schools Amid Rising Unrest

    2. Capital News

      … Speaking on Friday, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok warned students involved in arson, vandalism and other acts of indiscipline that they would face legal action. …

      Kisumu Girls, Kakamega High Release Students as School Unrest Spreads

    3. Citizen Digital

      'We will come for you!' Education PS Bitok warns students behind school fires By Emily Chebet June 05, 2026 09:12 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. …

      'We will come for you!' Education PS Bitok warns students behind school fires

  6. Court approves 21-day detention of nine Utumishi students

    1. Citizen Digital

      … Our focus is on addressing issues in the affected institutions while ensuring that all learners continue with their education without disruption," Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated.

      Upper Hill School sends students home over unrest

    2. Capital News

      NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has cautioned teachers and school administrators against forcing students to sit examinations when they express anxiety or indicate they are unprepared. …

      Don’t force exams at the expense of school stability, Bitok tells teachers

  7. Citizen Digital

    … ional Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee has so far allocated Ksh.668.3 billion, leaving a deficit of Ksh.102 billion, which the ministry describes as worrying. “We want all the monies that we have requested as a ministry to be availed on a priority basis,” said Bitok …

    Education Ministry faces Ksh.102 billion funding gap ahead of Budget Day

  8. Citizen Digital

    No plans for early midterm break over schools' unrest, PS Bitok says By Benjamin Muriuki June 04, 2026 04:41 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Education PS Julius Bitok during the prize-giving ceremony at The …

    No plans for early midterm break over schools' unrest, PS Bitok says
Tourism & Environment

Kenya to review airline restrictions to boost tourism

The News

Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced plans to review restrictions on the number of airlines and flights allowed into Kenya, assessing requests against airport capacity, security, and national interests. The move is part of efforts to double tourist arrivals by 2028 and eliminate bottlenecks hindering tourism growth.

Why it matters

Kenya to review airline restrictions to boost tourism and double arrivals by 2028, removing growth bottlenecks in the sector.

26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 26 June

  1. Kenya to review airline restrictions to boost tourism

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced plans to review restrictions on the number of airlines and flights allowed into Kenya, assessing requests against airport capacity, security, and national interests. The move is part of efforts to double tourist arrivals by 2028 and eliminate bottlenecks hindering tourism growth.

    26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Brookside strengthens partnership with hospitality sector for growth

    Milk processor Brookside is expanding its market presence in the hospitality industry through strengthened partnerships with the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, leveraging new product innovations and its national distribution footprint to grow its share of the hotel, restaurant and catering market.

    26 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Aviation policies limit Kenya's 2025 tourism arrivals

    Kenya recorded 2.7 million tourists in 2025 against a 5 million target, with hoteliers citing restrictive aviation policies that limit airline numbers and weekly flights. The Tourism PS said the government will review restrictions on airlines and flights to boost arrivals, weighing air access requests against airport capacities and security considerations.

    26 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. PS Bitok announces plans to reverse slow tourism growth in Kenya

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has unveiled measures to address the sector's slow growth over the past two decades, saying Kenya could boost arrivals to 10 million in coming years by leveraging local, regional, and global competitiveness. The PS noted that tourism generates more than Sh500 billion annually and that the government is supporting the industry through market diversification and enhanced digital competitiveness, while simplifying the ETA process and removing visa requirements for African tourists.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Bitok announces 2027 Uasin Gishu governor bid after 2022 primary loss

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who lost to incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii in the 2022 UDA party primaries, announced his bid for Uasin Gishu governorship in the 2027 General Election and has been campaigning across the county.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Tourism PS Julius Bitok faces mounting criticism over leadership

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is facing criticism over his leadership and political activities.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Principal Secretary Bitok hands over Basic Education role

    Prof. Julius Bitok has officially handed over leadership of the State Department for Basic Education to Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa following a presidential reshuffle that reassigned Bitok to Tourism. Bitok's tenure, which began in October 2023, was marked by implementation of education reforms and efforts to stabilize the Competency-Based Curriculum transition.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Government distributes 10,382 digital devices to junior schools nationwide

    The government has begun distributing 10,382 smart interactive devices and laptops to junior schools across the country as part of efforts to digitise learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum and establish smart classrooms.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. CS Ogamba to brief nation on school unrest affecting 200 schools

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba is scheduled to hold a press briefing on issues affecting the education sector as at least 200 schools have been affected by student unrest, prompting temporary closures and sparking concerns among parents and teachers. The address comes amid ongoing student strikes, property destruction and learning disruptions across several counties.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Ruto reassigns embattled Education PS Bitok to Tourism Ministry

    President William Ruto moved Principal Secretary Julius Bitok from the Education Ministry to the State Department for Tourism following criticism over his handling of student unrest that led to closures of over 200 schools. The reassignment has sparked debate about whether Bitok should have been dismissed rather than transferred, with critics citing his short and turbulent tenure and an earlier warning from the Majority Leader about his competence.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  3. MPs call for gradual abolition of Kenya's boarding schools

    Lawmakers and education stakeholders are calling for the abolition of boarding schools following unprecedented student unrest across prestigious schools, citing negligence in enforcing safety regulations, overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and mounting discipline challenges. MPs argue that parents have abdicated their responsibilities and that developed countries such as America and Europe do not rely on the boarding school model.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. Ololtuaa named Principal Secretary for Basic Education

    Educationist John Lekakeny Ololtuaa was named the new Principal Secretary for Basic Education on Tuesday, replacing Professor Julius Bitok, who was transferred to the Tourism docket, previously held by Ololtuaa. The changes were announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on behalf of President William Ruto.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Ruto reshuffles education and tourism principal secretaries

    President William Ruto has reassigned Julius Bitok from the State Department for Basic Education to the State Department for Tourism, while John Lekakeny Ololtuaa moved from Tourism to Basic Education, effective immediately.

    9 June 2026 · Capital News →

  2. PS Bitok reassigned from Education to Tourism ministry

    Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has been reassigned to the State Department for Tourism, with John Lekakeny Ololtuaa taking over the Basic Education docket, according to a statement by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. Ololtuaa assumes the education post amid recent school unrest that led to closures.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Student unrest causes deaths and school closures nationwide

    Student unrest continues to spread across the country, causing deaths and major destruction of learning institutions, worsening the education crisis. Education PS Julius Bitok ruled out early school closures despite the rising unrest.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. President Ruto reshuffles Principal Secretaries for Education and Tourism

    President William Ruto has reassigned Prof. Julius Bitok from the State Department for Basic Education to Tourism, while John Lekakeny Ololtuaa moves from Tourism to the Basic Education docket. The changes take effect immediately amid ongoing school unrest and closures.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  5. Government to tighten school safety measures amid student unrest

    The government said fewer than 200 boarding schools have been affected by ongoing student unrest and directed the Ministry of Education to develop interventions aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening security in schools, after incidents of indiscipline have destroyed property and caused loss of life.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  6. Education PS Bitok faces mounting criticism over leadership

    Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is progressively finding himself at the centre of criticism as criticism over his leadership continues to grow. At Kenya High School's prize-giving day, he ruled out early school closures despite rising student unrest.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 8 June

  1. Musingu High School closed indefinitely due to external threats

    Musingu High School in Kakamega County has been closed indefinitely, with management citing external threats and escalating tension. The school released students on Monday, June 8, 2026, characterizing the closure as a "peer pressure break" to prevent potential student unrest.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Editorial: Schools should send students home early amid unrest

    An opinion piece argues that the government should temporarily send secondary school students home in response to a wave of unrest that has killed 16 students and closed more than 30 schools, despite the Education ministry's objections; the author contends that an early mid-term break would cut short destructive motives and save lives.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. PS Bitok: Schools will not close early despite student unrest

    Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said there are no plans for unscheduled school closures, noting that only 0.8 per cent of secondary schools have been affected by unrest while learning continues normally in 99 per cent of schools. He stated that the second-term midterm break is scheduled for June 24–28 and that examination-related pressure is among the factors contributing to the unrest.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. Kapenguria Boys closed indefinitely after student fire unrest

    Kapenguria Boys High School has been closed indefinitely after students set fires in a dormitory, mattress store, and library on Sunday night while protesting to be released home. The closures have spread to other schools including St Brigid Girls and Kiminini in Trans Nzoia County, and Jomo Kenyatta Boys in Nakuru County.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard →

  5. Education stakeholders demand urgent national meeting on school unrest

    Pressure is mounting on Kenya's Ministry of Education to convene a national stakeholders' meeting following a surge in school unrest involving dormitory fires and destruction of school properties across dozens of institutions. Education stakeholders and teachers' unions are calling for coordinated national intervention, with KUPPET's chairman urging the Basic Education PS to convene an emergency forum by Friday.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 7 June

  1. Government orders nationwide audit of boarding schools

    Kenya's government has ordered a ten-day nationwide inspection of boarding schools to assess compliance with safety standards, following a rise in student unrest that has forced several institutions to close. The Basic Education Principal Secretary said 1,000 quality assurance officers have been deployed to schools to monitor the situation and support stability efforts.

    7 June 2026 · Capital News →

Saturday 6 June

  1. Kisumu Girls, Kakamega High release students amid school unrest

    Two national schools directed parents to collect their children on Saturday morning following intelligence reports and heightened surveillance. The releases come amid growing cases of student unrest reported across schools in the country.

    6 June 2026 · Capital News →

Friday 5 June

  1. PS Bitok warns students behind school fires of legal consequences

    Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has warned students and individuals involved in school unrest and destruction of school property that they will face legal consequences. Dozens of schools across the country have sent learners home following reports of unrest, though the Ministry maintains the school calendar will not be affected as only a small percentage of schools have experienced disruptions.

    5 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Upper Hill School sends students home amid nationwide unrest

    Upper Hill School's management instructed parents to pick up their children on June 4 as a precautionary measure due to unrest currently being experienced in some schools across the country and signs of restlessness within the school. The closure comes as several other schools including Alliance High School, Loreto High School in Limuru, Lenana School, and St George's Girls Secondary School have also closed temporarily amid student unrest.

    5 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. PS Bitok urges schools to prioritize calm over rigid exam schedules

    Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has cautioned teachers and school administrators against forcing students to sit examinations when they express anxiety or indicate they are unprepared, saying preventing unrest should take precedence over rigid adherence to testing schedules. Bitok urged schools to embrace dialogue, flexibility, and modern management approaches, including strengthened student leadership structures and counselling programmes.

    5 June 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Education Ministry facing Ksh.102 billion funding shortfall in budget

    The Ministry of Education requested Ksh.770 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year but the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee allocated Ksh.668.3 billion, leaving a deficit of Ksh.102 billion that could hinder development projects and worsen capitation funding challenges. Specific allocations fall short for free primary education (Ksh.7 billion allocated versus Ksh.15.6 billion requested) and the school feeding programme targeting 2.8 million learners.

    4 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ministry rules out early midterm break despite school unrest

    The Ministry of Education will not implement an early second-term midterm break despite recent secondary-school disturbances, according to Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. He said approximately 0.8 percent of schools have experienced unrest, while learning continues normally in 99 percent of institutions.

    4 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Julius Bitok — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute