348 Boarding Schools Face Uncertainty Ahead of Next Week’s Reopening.
As the new school term approaches, 348 primary schools are facing an uncertain future after the Ministry of Education ordered the shutdown of their boarding facilities.
The closures follow detailed inspections conducted in September and October 2024, which revealed critical safety and compliance shortcomings in these institutions.
One of the schools impacted by the directive is Tabaka Academy in South Mugirango, Kisii County.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, in a circular dated November 27, 2024, confirmed that the academy, like many others, failed to meet the prescribed safety standards.
The academy’s director, Mogendi Tamaro, expressed concerns about the school’s future and the welfare of its learners.
He indicated that although schools have made significant progress, some continue to struggle with compliance and hoped for approval to reopen soon.
Families and Teachers in Uncertainty
The directive has sparked confusion among parents, who now face tough decisions regarding their children’s education.
Private school administrators and headteachers have joined parents in voicing their concerns about the impact of the closures.
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The uncertainty has left families scrambling to determine how to navigate the sudden changes, with many frustrated by the financial strain of transferring their children to compliant institutions.
The Ministry of Education’s move comes in the wake of the tragic incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy, where 21 children aged 9 to 13 lost their lives.
The tragedy brought increased scrutiny on boarding institutions, prompting the ministry to revise its guidelines under mounting public pressure.
Key issues highlighted by the Ministry of Health during dormitory assessments included sanitation conditions, fire safety equipment, dormitory safety, and the overall well-being of learners.
Ministry’s Firm Stance Amid Criticism
Despite the frustrations of parents and school administrators, the Ministry of Education remains resolute.
It has emphasized that all schools must fully comply with the updated safety standards before resuming their boarding sections. The ministry has defended its position, citing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of learners above all else.
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Meanwhile, parents of children in the affected schools are bearing the brunt of the changes. Many have voiced concerns about the financial burden of relocating their children to alternative institutions that meet the safety requirements.
With limited time before schools reopen, these families are left grappling with difficult choices about their children’s educational future.
348 Boarding Schools Face Uncertainty Ahead of Next Week’s Reopening.
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