Several Blacklisted Boarding Schools Reopen After Safety Upgrades

Several Blacklisted Boarding Schools Reopen After Safety Upgrades.

Directors of several boarding schools, previously shut down due to safety violations, have been granted approval to reopen. These schools, among the 348 institutions blacklisted earlier, have now met the required safety standards.

The schools, which had been barred from operating, were assessed and found to have adhered to the stipulated safety protocols. This compliance has enabled them to regain the green light for resuming boarding operations.

In Buruburu, Nairobi, Happyland School’s director, Moses Munyui, reported that the sub-county education director had approved the reopening of their boarding facilities.

Munyui explained that officials from the Ministry of Education conducted a reassessment the previous week and confirmed that the school had met the necessary safety standards.

He highlighted the challenges faced during the compliance process, including a lack of resources, while speaking to Citizen TV.

Renovations in Kisii Schools

Precious Hope School in Kitutu Central, Kisii County, also passed the reassessment and was allowed to admit boarders again.

Director Samwel Mirieri described the improvements made, including adding a second door to dormitories, removing window rails, and installing adequate fire safety equipment. He assured that enough bathrooms had been provided for the students.

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Similarly, Mogendi Tamaro of Tabaka Academy in Kisii highlighted the school’s previous shortcomings, such as insufficient boarding space, barred windows, and a lack of fire extinguishers. These issues have since been addressed to meet safety requirements.

In Kericho County, several schools, including Teevale Imara, Sally Ann Academy, and Upper Hill Academy, have received clearance to continue boarding operations. These schools underwent the same rigorous assessments to ensure compliance.

Background on Blacklisting

The decision to blacklist 348 schools was made on November 27, following a comprehensive assessment of all boarding schools conducted in September and October.

A Ministry of Education circular had ordered the affected schools not to reopen in 2025 unless they complied with safety standards.

These schools were found to have grossly violated the provisions outlined in the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008).

Read Also: Schools Reopen Amid Shortage of Classrooms, Teachers, and Funds

Additionally, some failed to adhere to the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021), prompting their temporary closure.

With the reopening of compliant schools, stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining safety standards to ensure the well-being of learners. The Ministry of Education continues to monitor and enforce regulations to avoid future lapses.

Several Blacklisted Boarding Schools Reopen After Safety Upgrades.

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