348 Primary School Boarding Sections Ordered Closed Over Safety Concerns

The Ministry of Education has directed the closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across Kenya, citing non-compliance with safety standards. This announcement follows a nationwide assessment conducted between September and October 2024.

According to a circular dated November 27, the evaluation aimed to determine adherence to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021). The findings revealed that the affected schools significantly breached these provisions, rendering them unfit to accommodate boarding learners.

“A total of 348 schools of those assessed were consequently NOT approved to host boarding learners,” the statement read.

Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education have been tasked with ensuring the affected schools within their jurisdictions comply with the directive by January 6, 2025, when the first term begins.

The circular emphasized the need for timely communication with parents to allow them to make alternative arrangements. “You are required to ensure that affected parents are informed in good time for them to make necessary preparations for their children,” it stated.

Schools seeking to reopen their boarding facilities will have to undergo a re-registration process upon compliance with the required standards.

This crackdown follows a tragic fire incident in September at Endarasha Academy that claimed the lives of 21 boys, highlighting severe lapses in safety protocols. The tragedy prompted Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to order a mandatory, impromptu safety assessment of all schools in collaboration with the Ministries of Interior and Health.

The circular outlines that schools failing to meet prescribed safety standards must remain closed until they rectify deficiencies and receive accreditation.

The Ministry’s decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some parents and stakeholders praising the move for prioritizing student safety, while others expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of transitioning boarding students to day schools.

The closures are a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in learning institutions to prevent future tragedies.