National Parents Association Backs Government’s Decision to Close 348 Boarding Schools.
The National Parents Association (NPA) has expressed strong support for the government’s decision to shut down 348 boarding schools, terming the move timely and necessary.
The Ministry of Education, standing firm on its decision, stated that the schools would remain closed until they meet the required safety standards.
The NPA commended the Ministry’s action, noting that it followed prior identification of safety gaps in the affected schools. Eskimos Kobia, the National Secretary General of NPA, emphasized that congestion and inadequate safety measures in schools had led to the loss of many young lives.
He pointed out that parents often blamed the Ministry for such tragedies, but the government had now stepped in to address the issue.
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While acknowledging the potential inconvenience for parents and learners, Kobia stated that affected schools had been issued inspection reports detailing the identified gaps. He assured that parents who had already paid fees for the next term in these schools would be fully refunded.
Opposition from Private School Representatives
On the other hand, a member of the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) criticized the closure, arguing that the process lacked fairness. The unnamed member claimed that some private schools were not properly informed about the inspections and only learned of their closure through media reports.
The representative revealed that KPSA members were planning to seek legal redress, as they felt the inspection process was biased toward public schools.
They expressed concerns that hundreds of students could miss the first term due to the abrupt closures and the absence of alternative options provided by the Ministry.
Ministry’s Stand on Safety
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba defended the closures, stating that each affected school was given a detailed report outlining the safety gaps and steps for rectification. He stressed the importance of adhering to the government’s safety manual, which includes ensuring adequate spacing between beds and the installation of CCTV cameras in boarding schools.
Key Highlights
| Stakeholder | Position | Key Concerns/Actions |
|---|---|---|
| National Parents Association | Supported the closures, citing safety concerns and prior loss of lives in schools. | Ensuring fee refunds for parents and urging schools to address gaps before reopening. |
| Kenya Private Schools Association | Opposed the decision, claiming an unfair inspection process and lack of prior communication. | Planning legal action and raising concerns about students missing out on the first term of the year. |
| Ministry of Education | Stood by its decision, highlighting safety gaps in the affected schools. | Issued inspection reports and stressed compliance with safety standards, including bed spacing and CCTV. |
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