The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the immediate closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across the country after they failed to meet required safety and compliance standards.
This decision follows a comprehensive assessment conducted in September and October 2024, which evaluated these schools against the Safety Standards Manual for Schools (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
In a circular issued on November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, revealed that the institutions in question were found to have violated key safety provisions, rendering them unfit to host boarding students.
According to the Ministry, some of these schools had grossly contravened the regulations outlined in both the Safety Standards Manual and the Registration Guidelines.
“The assessment revealed that several schools did not meet the essential safety provisions outlined in the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) and failed to comply with the standards outlined in the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021),” the circular read in part.
“As a result, 348 schools assessed have not been approved to host boarding learners.”
The Ministry has directed regional, county, and sub-county education directors to enforce the closure of these boarding sections immediately.
The affected schools will only be allowed to reopen their boarding facilities after undergoing a thorough re-registration process to ensure compliance with all necessary safety standards.
The closure of these boarding sections is a significant measure aimed at protecting students and ensuring that schools adhere to national safety standards.
The MoE has stressed that the safety of learners is a top priority and that the government will not tolerate any compromises when it comes to their well-being.
Schools Affected by the Closure
The closure affects numerous schools across various regions in Kenya, including the Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi, Garissa, Migori, Kisii, Kisumu, and Kakamega counties.
Below is a list of some of the schools affected:
Central Region:
- Kiambu: Cor Mariae School, Karuguru Technical Academy, Viola Quality School, among others.
- Kirinyaga: Freds Grammar, Shirikisho Academy.
- Murang’a: Bright Star Academy, St. John’s Makuyu, Mathareini, among others.
- Nyandarua: Mawingo Primary, Satima Academy.
Coast Region:
- Kwale: Pope Francis Academy, Morgenroth School, New Sisera Academy, among others.
- Kilifi: Ocean of Wonders Academy.
- Mombasa: PCEA Makupa, Al-Fridaus Education Centre, Brilliant Perks School.
- Taita Taveta: County Hill Junior School, St. Agnes Primary School.
Eastern Region:
- Kitui: Victory Junior Academy, Isaangwa Primary School, Mulanga Primary, among others.
- Makueni: Mukatini Primary and Junior School, Kyumani.
- Meru: Willy’s Academy, Linya Academy, St. Pius Academy.
Nairobi County:
- Visa Oswal School, Thika Road Primary, Jonathan Gloag Academy, among others.
Garissa County:
- Liboi Primary, Kulan Primary, Damajale Primary, among others.
Migori County:
- Huruma Dola Academy, Matare Boarding and Day ECDE.
Kisii County:
- Riverbank Academy, St. Ann Metaburu, St. Mary’s Tabaka Girls.
Kisumu County:
- Obala Primary, Kisumu Elite, St. Gabriel Sopher Academy.
Kakamega County:
- Tomliza Educational Centre, Fields of Life Education Centre.
Busia County:
- Nambale Shiners High School, Pristine School Limited, ACK Changara School.
Future Steps and Expectations
The Ministry has emphasized that the affected schools must take corrective action and undergo a rigorous re-registration process before their boarding sections can be reopened.
This process will include addressing all safety concerns and ensuring compliance with national regulations to guarantee the well-being of students.
The closure of these schools underscores the Ministry’s commitment to upholding safety standards in schools and ensuring that all educational institutions provide secure environments for learners.
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