Government Orders Transfers for Pupils in 349 Non-Compliant Schools.
The Ministry of Education has directed parents of pupils in 348 schools that were closed last year to transfer their children to alternative institutions before the upcoming school reopening next week.
The directive follows the closure of these schools for failing to meet prescribed safety standards.
On Friday, January 3, Basic Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang emphasized that schools failing to meet the ministry’s preparedness levels would not be permitted to reopen.
He stated that parents of affected pupils had been instructed to find other schools for their children. Dr. Kipsang noted that schools unable to comply with these requirements would remain closed.
Safety Standards Compliance
The closures stemmed from non-compliance with the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008). The 348 institutions were flagged for inadequate safety measures in dormitories, posing risks to students.
Only schools that have addressed these safety concerns and passed inspections by education officers will be allowed to resume operations.
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In Kisii County, 10 out of 17 private schools listed among the 348 have met the safety standards.
However, the majority of the schools nationwide are yet to implement the necessary adjustments.
Heads of affected schools were advised to contact the ministry for inspections before reopening for the first term of 2025.
Dr. Kipsang explained that some schools required only minor modifications to comply with safety regulations.
For instance, some schools needed re-registration to reflect their boarding status. Inspections focused on criteria such as exit sections in dormitories and the availability of fire extinguishers, among other measures.
Background of Safety Initiative
This safety initiative was launched following a series of school fires in 2024, particularly during the third term.
These incidents prompted a comprehensive inspection of all boarding schools. The most devastating case was the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire, which claimed 21 lives and left many injured, shocking the nation.
The government’s nationwide inspection in September and October 2024 revealed significant non-compliance among affected schools.
These institutions failed to meet the safety standards outlined in the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021). As a result, they were barred from resuming normal operations until compliance was achieved.
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Dr. Kipsang reaffirmed that schools must adhere to the prescribed safety standards before reopening.
He urged school heads to ensure thorough inspections are conducted to guarantee the safety of learners. Schools that comply will be permitted to resume, ensuring a secure environment for students in the new term.
Government Orders Transfers for Pupils in 349 Non-Compliant Schools.
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