The Kenyan government has directed the closure of boarding sections in 340 public and private primary schools due to non-compliance with safety standards. Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang announced the decision following a nationwide compliance assessment conducted in September and October 2024. The evaluation revealed widespread contraventions of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
Findings Prompt Urgent Action
The move comes in the wake of a tragic dormitory fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County on September 5, 2024, which claimed the lives of 21 boys. The disaster prompted the Ministry of Education to launch the compliance audit, uncovering severe lapses in safety across numerous institutions.
Some of the most alarming issues included:
- Illegal and Unsafe Dormitory Practices:
Schools were found using triple-decker wooden beds with inadequate spacing and insufficient two-meter-wide pathways for emergency evacuations. - Structural Hazards:
Dormitories in several schools had grills on windows, single exits, and inward-opening doors, making evacuation during emergencies nearly impossible. - Unauthorized Conversions:
Dining halls, classrooms, and workshops were repurposed as dormitories without the requisite permissions. - Inadequate Safety Facilities:
Many schools lacked sickbays or qualified nurses, while others failed to provide treated drinking water or adequate supervision in boys’ dormitories. - Security Concerns:
Some schools had porous fences or unmanned gates, leaving learners vulnerable to external threats. - Non-residence of Heads:
Most school heads did not reside within the institutions, contrary to guidelines that emphasize leadership presence as critical to maintaining safety and oversight.
Government Directives
In a circular dated November 27, 2024, PS Kipsang directed regional, county, and sub-county education directors to enforce the closures, ensuring that affected boarding sections do not reopen at the start of Term 1 on January 6, 2025. He emphasized that re-opening will only be considered after the institutions complete a re-registration process to demonstrate compliance.
“This circular directs the closure of all non-compliant boarding sections within your jurisdiction as per the attached list,” Kipsang stated, adding that parents of learners in the affected schools must be notified promptly to arrange alternative living arrangements for their children.
Impact on Parents and Learners
Parents of learners in the affected schools face the immediate challenge of transitioning their children to day schools or compliant boarding institutions. The Ministry of Education has urged school authorities to communicate the developments in a timely manner to minimize disruptions.
Broader Education Sector Changes
The closure aligns with broader changes in Kenya’s education calendar and national exam administration. To accommodate the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) rehearsals, schools closed earlier than usual in 2024, on October 24. Term 1 of the 2025 academic year will commence on January 6, 2025.
Re-registration as a Path Forward
The government remains firm that boarding sections can only reopen after institutions meet all safety and operational standards. This entails addressing gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and emergency preparedness. The focus is on preventing disasters and safeguarding the well-being of learners.
Conclusion
The closure of boarding sections in 340 schools underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of learners in educational institutions. While the decision poses short-term challenges for families and schools, it aims to foster a safer, more compliant learning environment in the long term. Institutions must now prioritize adherence to safety and operational guidelines to restore trust and functionality in their boarding facilities.
