The Ministry of Education has directed the immediate closure of boarding sections in 348 primary schools across the country.
This decision comes after a thorough assessment conducted in September and October 2024 to check compliance with safety standards for basic education institutions.
In a circular dated November 27, 2024, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang confirmed that these schools had failed to meet critical safety requirements.
The violations were deemed severe, prompting urgent action.
Regional, county, and sub-county education directors have been instructed to enforce the closure without delay.
Transition to day schools
The affected schools will transition to day schools starting January 2025. Parents are now tasked with making alternative arrangements for their children within the short time remaining before schools reopen.
The decision followed a tragic fire incident in September at Hill Side Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. The fire claimed the lives of 21 boys, injured several others, and destroyed property.
Nairobi has the highest number of affected schools, with 44 boarding sections shut down
Other counties with significant closures include Kericho with 26 schools, Uasin Gishu with 19, Nandi with 15, Kisii with 13, and Kiambu with 13.
Some prominent schools in Nairobi listed in the circular include Visa Oshwal, Thika Road Primary, Jonathan Gloag, Don Bosco Primary School, St. Anna’s Preparatory School, and Happy Land Academy.
The assessment highlighted several key concerns, including poor dormitory safety, inadequate sanitation, lack of proper fire equipment maintenance, and compromised learner welfare.
The Ministry determined that these issues posed significant risks to students’ safety and well-being.
This decision has left many parents scrambling to find solutions.
With schools set to reopen in just a month, the shift to day schools will require adjustments in transportation, supervision, and other logistics.
However, the Ministry has emphasized that learner safety must take precedence over convenience.
By enforcing these closures, the government aims to ensure all institutions meet the required safety and compliance standards, creating a safer environment for learners nationwide.
