Ministry of Education Closure of Boarding Sections Sparks Criticism.
A recent directive from the Ministry of Education to shut down boarding sections in 348 schools nationwide due to safety concerns has been met with widespread disapproval.
Stakeholders argue that they were neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process.
Among the affected institutions is Trecer Preparatory School in Kisii, where the directors criticized the ministry for causing unnecessary panic among parents and learners.
They insisted that no ministry officials had visited the school for any safety assessment, despite the ministry’s claims of prior engagement.
“The letter says an assessment was done by the ministry, but I want to state categorically, we have not received or seen any officers from the ministry here for any assessment,” said Trecer Preparatory Director Jackson Ombati.
In Kericho County, stakeholders similarly expressed frustration, accusing the ministry of failing to consult or appraise their schools before issuing the closure directive.
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They argued that some issues flagged could have been rectified swiftly. Stakeholder Mary Kenduiywo noted that minor repairs were already being addressed and would be completed within two weeks.
Another stakeholder, Bill Kirui, stated that adjustments had been made and awaited further assessment by the ministry.
“Some of the findings from the assessment were that we needed to work on some issues in the boarding section, and that has been done. We are waiting an assessment this week from the ministry,” another stakeholder, Bill Kirui, added.
Ministry’s Justification and Safety Concerns
The Ministry of Education defended its actions, emphasizing that safety must take precedence over education.
Elyas Abdi, the Director General, stressed that in cases where boarding sections are deemed unsafe, the priority should be the lives of learners over continued schooling.
The government assured affected schools that they would be reinstated once they complied with the required safety measures.
The directive followed a nationwide assessment of boarding schools after the September 6 fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
According to the ministry, critical safety concerns identified included dormitory safety, sanitation, fire equipment maintenance, and overall learner welfare.
Stakeholders, however, urged for greater collaboration on critical issues like this. Joseph Wasikongo from the Elimu Yetu Working Coalition highlighted that many parents were left in uncertainty about their children’s education due to the abrupt directive.
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He advocated for intense stakeholder engagement to ensure such decisions are inclusive and less disruptive.
The Ministry reaffirmed its position that all schools affected had been given time to comply and would be reopened once they met the required standards.
Ministry of Education Closure of Boarding Sections Sparks Criticism.
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