Govt Orders Closure of All Boarding Schools in Gatundu South

All boarding schools across Gatundu South constituency have been closed indefinitely just a fortnight after reopening for the third term.

The decision was informed by the increase in cases of arson.

Area MP Gabriel Kagombe asserted that the arson incidents were deliberately planned by saboteurs seeking to sabotage the local leadership.

He said the closure was sanctioned to enable investigations into the real causes of the school fires.

"We have agreed that all learners in boarding schools to go home so that we have chance to undertake proper investigations into the incidents of fire. We want to know who are planning all these. We have received information that the arson is planned by people through social media who are inciting learners. We don't want to have all schools destroyed by fire," he said.

The MP revealed that the school administration and the local authorities had scheduled a meeting with stakeholders to deliberate on the solution to the fire.

Parents expressed their concern about the move.

They argued that the closure, whilst it is inevitable, would incovenience their children, especially those preparing for their national examination.

The parents urged the schools to expedite their probes into the fires to facilitate the resumption of learning.

"This is a huge blow to our children. Mine is in Form 4. We have been notified to come pick our children. That is why we are here. They should expedite their investigations so that our children can come back," said Penina Mburu, a parent at Mururia Boys High School.

School fires have been rampant in Kenya for the longest time.

Recently, the country marked the first anniversary after fire engulfed at Hillside Endarasha Academy.

The tragedy on September 5, 2024, resulted in the deaths of 21 students.

At the time of the incident, the dormitory was accommodating 156 boys.

Nineteen of the victims lost their lives inside the dormitory, while two others passed away during medical care.

As response to the tragic incident, President William Ruto announced a three-day period of national mourning to honor the students who lost their lives.

The observance served as a moment for the country to unite in grief and reflect on the loss, with flags flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.