Confusion over Gov’t decision to close boarding sections in 348 schools

The Ministry of Education circular directing the closure of boarding sections in 348 schools across the country over safety concerns has been received with widespread criticism from stakeholders, who maintain they were not involved or consulted.

Trecer Preparatory School in Kisii is among institutions affected, with the directors accusing the ministry of causing unnecessary panic among parents and learners.

The Ministry of Education, however, maintains that all the affected schools were sufficiently engaged beforehand.

“The letter says an assessment was done by the ministry, but I want to state categorically, we have not received or seen any officers from the ministry here for any assessment," said Trecer Preparatory Director Jackson Ombati.

“In this case, life comes first; before education. Because if the boarding section is not safe, which one comes first, schooling or life?” Ministry of Education Director General Elyas Abdi stated.

In Kericho County, stakeholders accused the ministry of double speak, saying they were never consulted, nor were their schools appraised in any way before the closure notice was issued.

“There were one or two things we needed to rectify, and already we are doing that. We will be done in two weeks," Mary Kenduiywo, a stakeholder, noted.

“Some of the findings from the assessment were that we needed to work on some issues in the boarding section, and that has been done. We are waiting an assessment this week from the ministry," another stakeholder, Bill Kirui, added. 

The September 6 Hillside Endarasha Academy fire sparked a nationwide Ministry of Education assessment of all boarding schools.

The government says all suspended schools have been given time to comply, and will be reinstated immediately they do so.

“We advocate for a situation where there is intense stakeholder engagement, especially on very critical matters like this. There are people worried out there asking, ‘Where am I going to take my child?" Joseph Wasikongo from Elimu Yetu Working Coalition said.

Major concerns pointed out during the assessment exercise include dormitory safety, sanitation, fire equipment maintenance, and overall learner welfare.