Several boarding schools that were previously blacklisted by the Ministry of Education have now received the green light to reopen, offering much-needed relief to school directors and parents alike. The schools were initially closed due to safety concerns, with 348 institutions found to be in violation of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
Among the schools cleared to resume operations is Happyland School, located in Buruburu, Nairobi. Moses Munyui, the director of Happyland School, confirmed that they were assessed by Ministry of Education officials who found that the necessary safety measures had been implemented. Despite challenges, including resource constraints, the school met the required safety protocols and was granted approval to readmit learners into the boarding facilities. Munyui expressed his relief, saying the school had worked diligently to address the issues identified during the initial assessment.
Precious Hope School, located in Kisii County, also received approval to reopen after making significant improvements. The school director, Samwel Mirieri, reported that the dormitories were renovated with added safety features, including two doors for each dormitory, the removal of unsafe rails, and the installation of fire safety devices. Additionally, the school ensured adequate bathroom facilities for the students.
Tabaka Academy in Kisii also faced challenges related to inadequate boarding space and the presence of grid-covered windows. However, after addressing these issues and installing fire extinguishers, the school received clearance to continue with boarding. Schools in Kericho, including Teevale Imara, Sally Ann Academy, and Upper Hill Academy, were also allowed to resume boarding operations.
The closure and subsequent reopening of these schools come after an assessment process carried out in September and October 2024. While the Ministry of Education’s decision to blacklist the institutions initially raised concerns, the measures taken by these schools to comply with safety standards have now resulted in their reopening. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of students in boarding schools across Kenya.
