Nairobi, June 16 -- The air over Kenya's education sector has recently carried the disturbing smell of smoke, ash and shattered dreams.

In just a few weeks, more than 70 secondary schools have reportedly been affected by unrest, strikes or suspected arson attacks. What was once dismissed as isolated indiscipline has evolved into a national crisis. The tragedy reached its most painful climax at Utumishi Girls Academy, where a dormitory fire claimed the lives of young learners, left many others injured and traumatised families across the nation.

These incidents should concern every Kenyan, not only parents, teachers and policymakers, but also universities. The students in our secondary schools today are the university students, profession...