School unrest is a concern worldwide today. Kisii County has not been spared. Reports indicated that in 2017, students at Kisii high school went on rampage. In the year 2018, Kisii high school students and Botoro ELCK high school students went on strike thus damaging properties. Further reports indicated that in 2021, Kisii County had 7 cases of unrest compared to Migori County which had 2 cases, Bomet County 3 cases and Kericho County 5 cases. Despite these cases of student unrest, not much had been done in establishing mechanisms that schools used to address issues that contributed to student unrest. The objective of this study therefore was to establish mechanisms schools use to address issues that contribute to student unrest in secondary schools in Kisii County, Kenya. The study was based on Social Control Theory by Ivan Nye (1958), which put emphasis on the importance of the learning environment. When the learning environment is not conducive it will trigger chaos. Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population was 30,955 form two students and 350 class teachers. Yamane's formula was used to determine the sample size of 395 students while stratified random sampling was used to determine a sample size of 105 class teachers. Questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data. A pilot study was carried out among 40 students and 35 class teachers using test- retest method of reliability. Reliability coefficient index of the instruments was determined at .78. Face and content validity of the instruments were ascertained by experts. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was transcribed and reported in an ongoing process as themes and sub-themes emerged. Findings indicated that the key mechanism used by schools to address unrest was, ensuring students adhered to the school rules (96%), followed by sensitization of students on the importance of adhering to school rules and regulations (94.7%), ensuring that there is adequate safety at school (94.7%) and punishing students who violate the school rules (94.1%). The least mechanism used by schools in addressing unrest was, involving students in making school rules (0%). It was concluded that adhering to school rules by the students is the key mechanism used by schools in addressing issues contributing to student unrest. The study recommends that student be involved in making school rules. This finding is useful to the school administrators and the Ministry of Education in shedding light on the importance of involving students in making school rules.

Keywords : Address, Mechanisms, Unrest