The Kenyan Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of 348 primary schools across the country. This decision follows inspections that revealed serious safety violations in boarding facilities. The aim is to ensure the safety and well-being of students in these institutions.
On November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang announced this directive. He emphasized that student safety cannot be compromised. Inspections conducted in September and October uncovered widespread violations of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang :photo courtesy
The affected schools are located in several counties, including Nairobi, Kericho, Garissa, Kisii, and others. Nairobi has 43 schools impacted by this closure. Kericho follows with 26 schools, while Garissa has ten. Other affected counties include Kisumu, Kakamega, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi.
In his circular to education officials, Kipsang directed them to ensure that all dormitories in these schools were shut down immediately. He urged regional and county directors of education to act swiftly and communicate these changes to parents. “We are asking parents to develop solid strategies to accommodate the changes before schools reopen next year,” he added.
Parents face the challenge of finding alternative arrangements for their children ahead of the first term of 2025. Many families are understandably anxious about this sudden closure. The Ministry of Education has advised parents to prepare for this transition as soon as possible.
The decision has sparked outrage among school administrators and parents alike. Many stakeholders have criticized the government for not consulting them before issuing such a sweeping directive. School principals argue that they were not given a fair chance to address any issues before being condemned publicly.
Jackson Ombati, a director at Tracer Academy, expressed his frustration: “It was not fair to us because it was indicated that the assessment was done by the Ministry. I want to be very sincere that we have not received any officers from the Ministry.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among educators about transparency and communication from government authorities.
In response to these criticisms, the Ministry of Education maintained that all directors and stakeholders in the affected schools were sufficiently consulted before making this decision. However, many continue to question whether adequate assessments were conducted prior to the closures.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all educational institutions prioritize student safety. Kipsang emphasized that only schools adhering to a rigorous re-registration process would be allowed to operate dormitories again. “Only schools that adhere to the re-registration process will be allowed to operate dormitories again,” he affirmed.
This directive comes after a tragic incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. A fire at this school claimed the lives of 21 students and raised alarm about safety standards in boarding facilities across Kenya. The tragedy prompted calls for stricter safety measures in schools nationwide.
Felix Koskei, head of public service, called for improved safety standards following this incident. Koskei expressed sorrow over the loss of young lives and emphasized that families expect their children to be safe in school environments. He urged the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance with safety guidelines during school constructions.
As investigations into safety standards continue, it is crucial for authorities to address existing gaps in infrastructure and compliance within educational institutions. Many stakeholders argue that better oversight is necessary to prevent future tragedies.
The directive’s impact extends beyond school closures; it also affects local economies reliant on boarding schools. Many communities depend on these institutions for employment and educational services. As a result, local leaders are calling for immediate action from both county and national governments to address these challenges.
While the Kenyan government aims to enhance student safety by closing 348 boarding sections, significant challenges lie ahead for affected families and educators. The abrupt nature of this decision has caused panic among parents who must now find alternative arrangements for their children’s education. Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to engage with stakeholders transparently and work collaboratively towards improving safety standards in all educational institutions across Kenya.