Education Ministry Under Fire for Challenges Affecting Learning.
The Ministry of Education is facing criticism due to the frequent disruptions in learning caused by teacher strikes, student unrest, fires, and delayed funding.
During a heated Senate debate, lawmakers expressed frustration at the ministry’s slow response to these issues.
Recent tragedies have fueled the debate, such as the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy two weeks ago, which claimed the lives of 21 students.
Schools in Isiolo and Machakos have also reported fires, intensifying parental concerns.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ highlighted his fear as a parent, saying that the thought of sending his son to boarding school only for him to return in a body bag was terrifying.
Calls for Accountability and Safety Measures
Senators demanded that the Ministry of Education, led by CS Julius Migosi, explain the underlying causes of student unrest and the growing number of school fires.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda pressed the ministry to outline its safety policies and measures for protecting students in both day and boarding schools.
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He further urged the ministry to disclose actions taken to ensure safety in boarding schools, including implementing mandatory emergency drills and addressing disaster preparedness.
The Senate also called for clarification on emergency protocols for handling fire outbreaks and other disasters, along with a clear policy for compensating the families of those injured or killed.
The lawmakers emphasized the need for accountability and support to affected families, ensuring that safety policies are harmonized across all schools.
Threat of Human Trafficking and Funding Concerns
In addition to fire safety, the ministry is expected to address the threat of human trafficking in boarding schools and the budget allocations earmarked for safeguarding students from fires and other potential disasters.
Senators also called for an explanation of the recurring teachers’ strikes, particularly how the recent strikes in August and September 2024 have impacted both students and the academic calendar.
Issues in Higher Education
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna highlighted ongoing challenges in higher education, including funding issues and lecturer strikes.
He questioned the viability of the current funding model, noting that it has been a long-standing issue that continues to affect university students.
Senate’s Proposals and Further Demands
Nominated Senator Miriam Omar emphasized the need for thorough inspections of all learning institutions.
She argued that institutions that fail to meet safety standards should be closed down immediately.
Senator Kavindu called for swift action, urging the Senate committee to hold the government accountable for the safety of students.
She also suggested the deployment of police officers in schools to enhance security, as students are unable to protect themselves.
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Finally, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba pointed out that most schools are non-compliant with safety standards, as evidenced by the frequent fires.
She called on the Ministry of Education to deploy teams to assess the safety of all schools and establish a simple, actionable checklist instead of relying on lengthy, ineffective policies.
Education Ministry Under Fire for Challenges Affecting Learning
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