A schoolboy in Nairobi brought a kitchen knife to class because he felt forced to protect himself from ongoing bullying, according to County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria. Teachers had done nothing when the child reported the problem several times. Mosiria said in a recent social media post that has drawn wide attention from parents and educators across the city.
Geoffrey Mosiria serves as Chief Officer for Youth Affairs, Sports and Social Services in Nairobi County. He shared the story to point out how serious bullying can become when adults fail to act.
In his post, he wrote that the boy armed himself “kujitetea na kujipigania”, meaning to defend and fight for himself. Mosiria added that he felt deep pain for what the child went through, pushing him to take such a risky step simply because no one helped.
The post quickly spread on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp groups used by parents in Nairobi. Many readers thanked Mosiria for speaking up.
Bullying remains a common issue in Kenyan schools. Children face name-calling, physical pushing, exclusion from games, or threats almost daily in some places. When it goes on without stopping, victims often feel alone and helpless.
Studies from the Ministry of Education and child rights groups show bullied pupils sometimes skip school, fall behind in class, or struggle with anxiety. In extreme cases, they look for ways to feel safe, even dangerous ones like carrying sharp objects.
Mosiria directed clear messages to different groups. He asked teachers never to brush off complaints about bullying. Quick action, such as talking to both sides or involving school counsellors, can prevent worse outcomes.
He urged parents to make time for real conversations with their children and watch for signs of trouble, like sudden quietness or unwillingness to attend school. He also spoke to parents of children who bully others, asking them to guide and correct that behaviour early.
Schools in Nairobi County follow national guidelines that require anti-bullying policies. Many public and private institutions have designated teachers or committees to handle reports. Parents in estates like Kayole, Dandora, and Pipeline areas often raise concerns about fights and intimidation on the way to or from school.
This particular case has not led to public details about the school name or exact location. Authorities handled it quietly after discovering the knife. No injuries occurred, and the focus shifted to supporting the boy and addressing the root cause. Mosiria’s decision to highlight it publicly aims to remind everyone involved that small complaints can signal bigger problems.
Child protection organisations in Kenya welcomed the chief officer’s words. Groups like Childline Kenya run a free helpline (116) where children can report abuse or bullying anonymously. Calls to the line have risen in recent years, showing more young people seek help outside school or home.
Parents in online forums discussed practical steps after reading the post. Some suggested regular check-ins during dinner or bedtime.
Mosiria’s post ends on a note of empathy. He wrote that no child should reach the point of carrying a weapon just to feel safe at school. The message has prompted fresh calls for stronger partnerships between homes, schools, and county officials to tackle bullying head-on.
Cases like this serve as warnings. When kids don’t get answers to their reports, they come up with their own, which are often dangerous. Nairobi County is still working to train teachers and undertake awareness programmes in schools.
People in the city hope that sharing tales would lead to meaningful changes in schools. It doesn’t cost much to listen early, but it can save a lot of trouble later. The boy’s experience, while disturbing, may motivate more adults to take action sooner.
