By Kato Jamil
The Ministry of Education in Kenya has ordered the immediate closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across the country.
This directive follows inspections conducted in September and October, which revealed non-compliance with the 2008 security laws and the 2021 school registration requirements.
“Student safety cannot be compromised. The inspection showed that these schools have failed to meet the minimum standards required by law,” Principal Secretary (PS) Ministry of Education Belio Kipsang said.
Kipsang directed education officials to ensure the dormitories in these schools were shut down immediately.
“The directors of education must act swiftly to close these facilities and communicate the changes to parents,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and parental involvement.
Parents are being urged to prepare alternative arrangements ahead of the first term of 2025.
“We are asking parents to develop solid strategies to accommodate the changes before schools reopen next year,” Kipsang added.
The affected schools span several counties, including Nairobi (43 schools), Kericho (26), Garissa (10), and Kisii (16).
Other counties with impacted institutions include Kisumu, Kakamega, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, among others.
Before reopening, the schools must go through a rigorous re-registration process to ensure full compliance with the stipulated laws.
“Only schools that adhere to the re-registration process will be allowed to operate dormitories again,” Kipsang affirmed.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring all educational institutions prioritise the safety and well-being of their students.
As investigations continued into the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which claimed at least 21 lives, Felix Koskei, the head of the public service, called for stricter safety standards.
Koskei expressed sorrow over the loss of young lives and emphasised that families had expected their children to be safe in school.
He urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that school constructions adhere strictly to safety guidelines.
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