Concerns as Gov't insists 348 boarding schools to remain closed pending special audit

While many of the schools have made strides to meet the new regulations, including safety upgrades like removing grills in dormitories and providing fire extinguishers, the ministry says they should not proceed and admit learners until a special audit is conducted.

This despite receiving a nod to reopen their boarding sections, from sub-county education directors.

"We’ve done everything asked, removing grills, fire stations, signage. We’re good to go," said David Waititu, Director of Rockfield Schools.

Citizen TV reached out to officials at the Ministry of Education, who are holding firm, insisting all schools must pass another round of inspections, regardless of any upgrades done.

The decision has caused confusion for parents, who are now scrambling to figure out how to manage their children’s schooling. They say the knee-jerk reactions from the government are adding to the confusion.

Martin Biketi, a parent at Rockfield School stated"...As parents, we’re left in the dark. We don’t know what to do next..."

The tightening of boarding school safety regulations follows the tragic Hillside Endarasha Academy incident, where 21 pupils lost their lives. While the reforms are seen as a necessary step, many view them as a rushed reaction under mounting pressure for reform in the wake of the tragedy.