Fate of 348 primary schools uncertain as learning resumes next week

These schools failed to meet crucial safety and compliance standards following thorough assessments conducted in September and October 2024. 

Tabaka Academy in South Mugirango, Kisii County, is one of the 348 schools affected by the assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education. 

The November 27th, 2024, circular from Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang confirmed that the academy, like many others, did not meet the required safety standards.

The directive has left Tabaka Academy school director Mogendi Tamaro uncertain about the future of the school and its learners.

Mogendi Tamaro, Director at Tabaka Academy said "Many schools have made progress, but some are still struggling, We were equally affected and are hopeful that we’ll receive the green light to reopen soon."

As private school directors and headteachers voice their concerns, parents are also left in a state of confusion over how to navigate the directive.

The uncertainty surrounding the closure of boarding sections has left families scrambling for answers on what this means for their children’s education.

The Ministry of Education re-visited its guidelines following the tragic Hillside Endarasha Academy incident, where 21 children aged 9 to 13 lost their lives.

This move, widely seen as a knee-jerk reaction, happened amid growing pressure for reforms in boarding institutions.

Key concerns raised by the Ministry of Health during their assessment of dormitories include; dormitory Safety, sanitation standards, fire safety equipment and learner wellbeing.

Despite the concerns from parents and teachers the Ministry of Education remains firm, insisting that all schools must fully comply with the new safety standards.

Meanwhile, parents with children in affected schools are now at a crossroads, with many voicing frustration over the financial burden of transferring their children to schools that meet the requirements.