Gov’t orders closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools

The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across the country for failure to meet safety and compliance standards.

This follows an extensive assessment conducted in September and October 2024 to evaluate the adherence of these institutions to Safety Standards for Basic Education Institutions.

In a circular dated November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang revealed that the schools in question were found to have grossly violated key safety provisions.

The ministry has as a result instructed regional, county, and sub-county directors of education to enforce the closure of the boarding section in these primary schools with immediate effect.

Nairobi leads with the highest number of primary schools to be closed (44), following the assessment that was done after a tragic fire incident at Hill Side Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County in September where 21 boys died after a fire broke out at the school dormitory at midnight, leaving others with injures and properties of unknown value destroyed.

Kisii has 13, Kiambu 13, Kericho 26, Nandi 15 and Uasin Gishu 19.

At least 348 schools were deemed non-compliant, with the government directing them to operate as day schools from January 2025.

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

Some of the notable schools affected in Nairobi as per the circular include Visa Oshwal, Thika Road Primary, Jonathan Gloag, Don Bosco Primary School, St Anna's Preparatory School and Happy Land Academy.

With only a month to go before these schools reopen, parents have been affixed to make alternative arrangements for their children as these schools will henceforth only operate as day schools.