The government through the Ministry of Education has directed the closure of boarding sections in 348 schools over non-compliance.
In a letter dated November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang said the decision was reached following an assessment exercise to establish the status of compliance with safety standards for boarding primary schools.
"An assessment exercise to establish the status of compliance with safety standards for all boarding primary schools in the country was carried out in the months of September and October 2024," the statement read in part.
In the letter addressed to regional, county, and sub-county Directors of Education, Kipsang noted that the affected schools contravened the safety standards contained in the 2008 manual for schools.
"The assessment established that some institutions grossly contravened the provisions of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008). Further, they did not adhere to the standards as prescribed in the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021). A total of Three Hundred and Forty-Eight (348) schools of those assessed were consequently not approved to host boarding learners," the statement further read.
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Kipsang ordered the closure of the affected schools, stating that reopening will be done after a vigorous re-registration process.
"The purpose of this circular, therefore, is to direct you to close down the boarding sections of all schools within your jurisdiction that were not approved as per the attached list. Re-opening of the boarding sections should strictly be upon a re-registration process. You are required to ensure that affected parents are informed in good time for them to make alternative arrangements for their children," the statement concluded.
In 2008, the government, in collaboration with Church World Service, developed the Safety Standards Manual for Schools to ensure student safety.
The manual outlines essential safety measures, including proper infrastructure, emergency protocols, and the responsibilities of school administrators.
The manual states that boarding schools must provide a secure environment and adhere to specific guidelines regarding fire safety and emergency exits.
This new development comes in the wake of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 pupils aged between 9 and 14.
