In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the education sector, the Ministry of Education has announced the closure of the boarding sections of 348 primary schools across the country. The directive, detailed in a circular dated November 27, 2024, follows an extensive assessment conducted between September and October this year.
According to the ministry, the move is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of learners. The assessment revealed that these schools failed to comply with the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008), prompting the government to take decisive action. The circular was addressed to Regional Directors of Education, County Directors of Education, and Sub-County Directors of Education, mandating them to oversee the implementation of this directive in their respective jurisdictions.
The Assessment That Triggered the Shutdown
The September-October assessment exercise evaluated all boarding primary schools in the country to determine their compliance with safety regulations. A startling 348 schools were found to contravene these standards, rendering them unfit to host boarding learners. The issues ranged from inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding to lack of fire safety measures and general negligence in adhering to safety protocols.
“These schools grossly contravened the provisions of the Safety Standards Manual, putting the lives of learners at risk,” the circular noted. “They are therefore not approved to host boarding learners for the 2025 academic year.”
This assessment highlights a growing concern over the state of some educational institutions in Kenya, particularly in remote areas where resources are scarce.
Who Is Affected and What’s Next?
The directive targets boarding sections only, meaning that affected schools will continue operating as day schools. Regional and County Education Directors have been instructed to ensure the smooth implementation of the directive and to engage stakeholders, including parents and local leaders, to explain the rationale behind the closures.
The ministry’s memo also emphasized the need for parents to make alternative arrangements for their children in readiness for the 2025 academic year. However, many parents, particularly in rural areas, have expressed concerns about how this decision will impact their children’s education.
“I don’t know how my child will cope as a day scholar,” said one parent from Turkana County. “We rely on boarding schools because they provide a safe space for learning far from home.”
Mixed Reactions Across the Nation
This bold move has sparked a heated debate among education stakeholders, parents, and teachers.
Criticism
Critics of the decision argue that the abrupt closure of boarding sections could disrupt learning for thousands of students and strain existing day schools. Many day schools are already grappling with issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate resources.
Teacher unions have also weighed in, questioning whether the ministry has a clear plan for addressing the underlying challenges faced by affected schools.
“What happens to the boarding facilities in these schools?” posed one union leader. “Will they be repurposed, or will they become white elephants? The government needs to provide clarity.”
Support for the Decision
On the other hand, proponents believe the closures will compel schools to prioritize safety and focus on improving the quality of education. Education experts argue that this shift could foster greater parental involvement in their children’s academic lives, as boarding schools often disconnect students from their families.
“This is a wake-up call for all schools to comply with safety standards,” said a senior education official. “The safety and welfare of our children must come first.”
The Bigger Picture
This move aligns with the government’s broader education reforms, including efforts to enhance the quality of learning environments and address the systemic challenges that have plagued Kenya’s education sector for years.
The Ministry of Education has assured the public that the transition will be gradual, with measures in place to support affected learners and schools. Officials are reportedly exploring ways to convert unused boarding facilities into community learning hubs or resource centers.
What It Means for Parents and Students
For parents, the directive signals a need to re-evaluate their schooling options. The ministry has urged parents to collaborate with school administrators to ensure their children transition smoothly into the new setup.
For students, the closure of boarding sections could mean adjusting to day schooling, which may bring its own set of challenges, such as longer commutes and less time for extracurricular activities.
Final Thoughts
While the closure of boarding sections in 348 schools marks a significant shift in Kenya’s education system, its success will hinge on effective implementation and stakeholder collaboration. As the nation grapples with this major change, one thing is clear: the safety and well-being of students must remain the top priority.
The coming months will reveal whether this bold move will set a precedent for higher safety standards or exacerbate existing challenges in the education sector.
