The Ministry of Education has issued a directive to its field officers to crack down on schools operating school buses outside the legally permitted hours of 6am to 6pm.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 6, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated that the ministry is aware of ongoing violations of the Traffic (Amendment) Act 2017, which restricts the movement of school buses to daylight hours.
"I am instructing all regional, county and sub-county directors of education to ensure full compliance. Any school or individual found violating this directive will face the full force of the law," he said.
Bitok note that the directive would be enforced uniformly across the country, with no room for exceptions.
"This is not just about the Music Festivals. It is the law and it applies everywhere. This is a reminder lest people forget. The Ministry will not compromise the learners' safety under any circumstances," he added.
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Bitok further announced that funds allocated for transport and accommodation for participants at the ongoing festival will be disbursed immediately after consultations with the Sports Fund CEO.
He also stated that the ministry is considering the introduction of an international platform for the best performers in the festival circuit, beyond the current national showcase at the State Gala.
"Why should Nationals or the State Gala be the peak? We are preparing a proposal to be presented to the President during the Gala, for Kenya's best to represent us globally. This will be part of his legacy in arts and culture," he further said.
Bitok further cautioned any teachers engaging in inappropriate conduct with students during the festivals, stating that serious consequences would follow.
"This is a children's event. Anyone found exploiting or endangering our students, we will come for you. We will not allow predators near our learners. That era is over!" he noted
Bitok concluded by calling on stakeholders to develop sustainable avenues for monetizing performing arts, especially to benefit students from underprivileged backgrounds.
"Our children are gifted. Let's not just celebrate their talents, let's empower them to earn from it. We must support structures that commercialize creativity without exploiting the artist," he remarked.
