In a decisive move to ensure student safety, the Ministry of Education has marked numerous schools in Kisii County for potential closure following a safety assessment conducted ahead of the January 2025 reopening. This initiative comes as part of the Ministry’s larger campaign to address the alarming state of infrastructure in educational institutions across the county, building on the closure of 348 schools earlier this week.
The comprehensive inspection, led by County Director of Education (CDE) Philip Chirchir, revealed significant safety hazards, including collapsed toilets, poorly constructed buildings, and excavated sites that pose serious risks to students and staff. Speaking after the week-long assessment, Chirchir emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that immediate measures are needed to safeguard the welfare of learners.
Shocking Safety Failures Unveiled
Among the most concerning findings was the widespread presence of condemned structures and incomplete construction projects that fail to meet basic safety regulations. In Nyamache sub-county, inspectors discovered that many schools were built on swampy grounds, which has led to the collapse of several sanitation facilities. The unstable land also raises concerns about the longevity and safety of existing school buildings.
In another troubling case from Marani sub-county, two pre-primary pupils narrowly escaped a tragic accident after falling into an unsecured pit latrine. The incident prompted Director Martha Ekirapa to order the immediate backfilling and fencing of two excavated sites in the area. Ekirapa emphasized the need for school administrators to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“These findings highlight the critical gaps in school safety standards,” Ekirapa stated. “We cannot afford to gamble with the lives of our children. Every school must ensure their premises are secure before the start of the new academic year.”
Call for Cooperation and Accountability
The Ministry of Education is now calling on school heads and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the ongoing inspection exercise. Chirchir urged schools to prioritize safety improvements, including repairing damaged structures, reinforcing weak buildings, and addressing sanitation issues.
“We have identified several structures that are far below acceptable safety standards. These will be condemned and demolished to eliminate risks,” Chirchir said. “I am appealing to all stakeholders to urgently embark on enhancing safety measures before students return in January.”
The Ministry’s assessment also aims to promote compliance with construction safety regulations, ensuring that all ongoing and future school projects adhere to the required standards. School management teams are being advised to work closely with government agencies to facilitate the smooth completion of inspections and necessary upgrades.
Impact on the Community
The closure of unsafe schools in Kisii County has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some parents expressing concern about the disruption to their children’s education. However, many agree that prioritizing safety is a necessary step to prevent tragedies.
“We understand that this process might inconvenience us temporarily, but it is for the best. We do not want to lose our children to preventable accidents,” said Jane Omwenga, a parent from Nyamache.
Local leaders have also weighed in, urging the government to provide additional resources for the rehabilitation of unsafe schools. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing educational institutions in Kisii and other parts of the country.
The Road Ahead
As the Ministry of Education ramps up its safety campaign, schools across Kisii County have been given a clear message: non-compliance will not be tolerated. With the January 2025 school reopening fast approaching, the pressure is on for institutions to meet the required safety standards.
While the closure of hundreds of schools may seem drastic, it underscores the government’s commitment to creating a secure learning environment for all students. The ongoing inspections and corrective measures serve as a wake-up call to school administrators nationwide, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold safety and protect the lives of those entrusted to their care.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry will continue its assessment exercise, ensuring that all schools in Kisii and beyond are fit for reopening. Parents and educators alike are hopeful that these efforts will lead to lasting improvements.
In a decisive move to ensure student safety, the Ministry of Education has marked numerous schools in Kisii County for potential closure following a safety assessment conducted ahead of the January 2025 reopening. This initiative comes as part of the Ministry’s larger campaign to address the alarming state of infrastructure in educational institutions across the county, building on the closure of 348 schools earlier this week.
The comprehensive inspection, led by County Director of Education (CDE) Philip Chirchir, revealed significant safety hazards, including collapsed toilets, poorly constructed buildings, and excavated sites that pose serious risks to students and staff. Speaking after the week-long assessment, Chirchir emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that immediate measures are needed to safeguard the welfare of learners.
Shocking Safety Failures Unveiled
Among the most concerning findings was the widespread presence of condemned structures and incomplete construction projects that fail to meet basic safety regulations. In Nyamache sub-county, inspectors discovered that many schools were built on swampy grounds, which has led to the collapse of several sanitation facilities. The unstable land also raises concerns about the longevity and safety of existing school buildings.
In another troubling case from Marani sub-county, two pre-primary pupils narrowly escaped a tragic accident after falling into an unsecured pit latrine. The incident prompted Director Martha Ekirapa to order the immediate backfilling and fencing of two excavated sites in the area. Ekirapa emphasized the need for school administrators to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“These findings highlight the critical gaps in school safety standards,” Ekirapa stated. “We cannot afford to gamble with the lives of our children. Every school must ensure their premises are secure before the start of the new academic year.”
Call for Cooperation and Accountability
The Ministry of Education is now calling on school heads and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the ongoing inspection exercise. Chirchir urged schools to prioritize safety improvements, including repairing damaged structures, reinforcing weak buildings, and addressing sanitation issues.
“We have identified several structures that are far below acceptable safety standards. These will be condemned and demolished to eliminate risks,” Chirchir said. “I am appealing to all stakeholders to urgently embark on enhancing safety measures before students return in January.”
The Ministry’s assessment also aims to promote compliance with construction safety regulations, ensuring that all ongoing and future school projects adhere to the required standards. School management teams are being advised to work closely with government agencies to facilitate the smooth completion of inspections and necessary upgrades.
The closure of unsafe schools in Kisii County has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some parents expressing concern about the disruption to their children’s education. However, many agree that prioritizing safety is a necessary step to prevent tragedies.
“We understand that this process might inconvenience us temporarily, but it is for the best. We do not want to lose our children to preventable accidents,” said Jane Omwenga, a parent from Nyamache.
Local leaders have also weighed in, urging the government to provide additional resources for the rehabilitation of unsafe schools. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing educational institutions in Kisii and other parts of the country.
As the Ministry of Education ramps up its safety campaign, schools across Kisii County have been given a clear message: non-compliance will not be tolerated. With the January 2025 school reopening fast approaching, the pressure is on for institutions to meet the required safety standards.
While the closure of hundreds of schools may seem drastic, it underscores the government’s commitment to creating a secure learning environment for all students. The ongoing inspections and corrective measures serve as a wake-up call to school administrators nationwide, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold safety and protect the lives of those entrusted to their care.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry will continue its assessment exercise, ensuring that all schools in Kisii and beyond are fit for reopening. Parents and educators alike are hopeful that these efforts will lead to lasting improvements, laying the foundation for a safer 6and more reliable education system. oundation for a safer and more reliable education system.
