MPs urge Education Ministry to reverse closure of 348 boarding schools
By Lucy Mumbi |
National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro said the directive was a panic reaction following the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in September.
Members of Parliament have urged the Ministry of Education to reverse its decision to close the boarding sections of 348 primary schools, with the lawmakers criticising the move as rushed and poorly implemented.
National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro said the directive was a panic reaction following the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in September.
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"The ministry sent officials to inspect boarding schools and gave some three months to comply with the guidelines but never followed up. The ministry should save parents the trouble of finding new schools next year," Osoro said.
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim criticised the lack of inspections in his constituency, where two schools that cater to pastoralist children have been affected.
"The idea of having boarding schools in pastoralist regions is to ensure children can continue learning as their parents move. The schools in my constituency are compliant, yet no one knows where the ministry got its information," Farah said, warning that the decision could lead to higher dropout rates.
Misguided
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu said the closure of boarding sections was misguided, noting that many of the schools rely on the National Government Constituency Development Fund, which had already allocated funds for the current financial year.
"We appeal to the ministry to suspend the decision so that necessary adjustments can be made in the budget for improvements," Mulu said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed Education Committee Chair Julius Melly to issue a statement explaining the reasons for the closure and outlining measures to mitigate the inconvenience caused to parents and pupils.
The Ministry of Education ordered the closures on Monday, citing gross violations of safety standards following assessments conducted in September and October.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang stated in a November 27 circular that the affected schools failed to meet safety and compliance requirements. Regional and county education officials were instructed to enforce the directive.
KPSA assurance
In response, the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) assured parents that learning would not be disrupted.
The association committed to ensuring that affected private schools meet the required safety standards before the start of the new academic year.
"KPSA has informed the schools, and most will comply with the ministry’s directive within the next two to three weeks," KPSA Chairman Charles Ochome said during a press briefing at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
Ochome added that some schools had already complied and urged parents to liaise with school management for updates. He described the government’s action as a necessary step to protect learners and ensure their safety.
He also noted that private schools are well-prepared for a smooth transition from Grade Eight to Grade Nine, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
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