End of Boarding Schools? Senators Table Proposal That Could Change Education Forever.
A proposal seeking the gradual phase-out of boarding schools across Kenya and the introduction of a hybrid learning system has been formally tabled before the Senate for consideration.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma and Senator Veronica Maina, was submitted to the Senate on June 17 as part of a broader legislative effort aimed at addressing recurrent cases of student unrest, school strikes, arson attacks and insecurity in senior secondary schools.
According to the notice of motion, Kenya continues to experience recurring incidents of school unrest and fires that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning activities despite the existence of legal and policy frameworks requiring the provision of safe and secure learning environments.
The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen school safety, enhance emergency preparedness and address underlying factors contributing to unrest in educational institutions.
The motion calls on the Ministry of Education to develop modalities for gradually phasing out boarding schools and introducing a hybrid model under which all schools would operate both day and boarding arrangements.
“Kenya continues to witness recurrent cases of student unrest, school strikes and arson attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning,” the notice of motion stated.
“The Senate therefore resolves that the Ministry of Education should develop modalities for phasing out boarding schools and introducing a hybrid set-up where all schools have both day and boarding arrangements,” the notice added.
In addition to the proposed hybrid learning framework, the motion recommends the introduction of mandatory annual fire safety audits in all boarding institutions. The proposal further calls for the installation of emergency exits, firefighting equipment and fire detection systems in schools to enhance preparedness and response during emergencies.
The senators also proposed the development and implementation of clear national evacuation procedures and disaster response protocols for learning institutions across the country.
Under the proposed measures, the Ministry of Education would be required to table a comprehensive report detailing the status of implementation of recommendations arising from previous investigations into school fires and related incidents.
The motion further calls for increased investment by both the national government and county governments in firefighting infrastructure, emergency response systems, communication equipment and disaster management training to strengthen institutional capacity in responding to emergencies within schools.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would also be required to strengthen frameworks relating to student discipline, learner well-being and stakeholder engagement as part of efforts to address factors associated with student unrest and destructive behaviour in learning institutions.
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To facilitate further examination of the issue, the Senate Standing Committee on Education would be mandated to undertake a comprehensive inquiry into school unrest and arson attacks in educational institutions.
The committee would be required to investigate the causes, trends and existing interventions relating to school unrest and submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Senate within 90 days.
The motion is expected to be considered by the Senate as lawmakers deliberate on proposed measures aimed at enhancing safety, accountability and stability within Kenya’s education sector.
End of Boarding Schools? Senators Table Proposal That Could Change Education Forever.
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