Schools Face Safety Review and Expand Digital Learning Tools

On October 13, 2026, schools in Kenya and South Africa were involved in separate education developments as Kenyan institutions expanded digital classroom tools and Free State authorities investigated a Grade 4 classroom fight at Malebaleba Public Primary School in Odendaalsrus after a video spread online.

According to educationnews.co.ke, Smart Schools Technologies Ltd interactive teaching screens are being used in more than 500 schools across Kenya to support Competency-Based Education through digital content, offline learning materials and interactive lessons.

The technology combines touchscreen functions, computing capabilities and curriculum resources, allowing teachers to use videos, animations, illustrations and presentations. According to educationnews.co.ke, schools including OLC Mugoiri Girls in Murang’a County and Mang’u High School in Kiambu County have adopted the devices.

Ms Susan Mundia, Principal of Our Lady of Consolata Mugoiri Girls High School, said the screens support learner participation and allow teachers to use pre-installed materials without relying fully on internet access.

Ms Mundia described the devices as useful for lessons under the Competency-Based Education framework, while educationnews.co.ke reported that the screens can also support connected teaching between multiple classrooms when equipment is available.

At St Faustina Kerugoya Girls, Principal Joyce Githinji highlighted the use of the Hybrid Teaching Board Combo, which combines a Smart Interactive Teaching Screen with a traditional whiteboard enclosure.

"The learners do not have to have a teacher in class when they are doing group work. It helps them a lot during group discussions," said Joyce Githinji, Principal of St Faustina Kerugoya Girls.

Educationnews.co.ke reported that the hybrid design allows teachers to switch between digital materials and conventional writing methods while protecting the interactive screen when it is not in use.

Mr Wachira, a biology teacher at St Faustina Kerugoya Girls, said visual resources help learners understand difficult concepts through demonstrations and interactive activities.

"Videos, illustrations and other visual learning materials can help learners understand concepts that may be difficult to grasp through theoretical explanations alone," said Mr Wachira, a biology teacher at St Faustina Kerugoya Girls.

In South Africa, the Free State Department of Education investigated an incident involving Grade 4 learners at Malebaleba Public Primary School after a classroom fight video circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

According to insideeducation.co.za, the department served a 44-year-old maths teacher with an audi letter after the educator was allegedly present during the incident on October 7, 2026. The school reported the matter on October 8, and a district investigation began on October 9.

The department explained that the letter gives the educator an opportunity to respond before further decisions are made.

"An Audi Letter derives from the legal principle [audi alteram partem], which means ‘to hear the other side’," said the Free State Department of Education.

The department added that the process was not a finding of guilt and that the educator’s response would be reviewed during the investigation.

"It is a standard, fair labour procedure and not a finding of guilt," said the Free State Department of Education.

The department said psychosocial support was being provided to affected learners and that parents had participated in school engagements. It also said learner disciplinary matters would follow the South African Schools Act.

"The safety and protection of learners remains our highest priority," said the Free State Department of Education.

The department urged the public to stop sharing the video because it identifies minor children and may create further harm.

"We appeal to members of the public to stop circulating the video, as it identifies minor children and may cause secondary victimisation," said the Free State Department of Education.