As pupils prepare to return to classes next week, 348 primary schools face uncertainty following the Ministry of Education’s directive to close their boarding facilities.
These institutions did not meet essential safety and compliance requirements after comprehensive evaluations carried out in September and October 2024.
Among the affected schools is Tabaka Academy, located in South Mugirango, Kisii County, which was identified in the Ministry of Education’s assessment.
A circular issued on November 27, 2024, by Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang confirmed that Tabaka Academy, along with numerous others, failed to satisfy the mandated safety criteria.
This situation has left Mogendi Tamaro, the director of Tabaka Academy, uncertain about the institution’s future and the well-being of its students.
Mogendi Tamaro remarked, “While many schools have made strides, some continue to face challenges. We have also been impacted and remain hopeful for a prompt resolution that will allow us to reopen.”
As private school directors and headteachers express their concerns, parents find themselves confused about how to respond to the directive.
The ambiguity surrounding the closure of boarding sections has prompted families to seek clarity regarding the implications for their children’s education.
The Ministry of Education revisited its guidelines in the wake of the tragic incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy, where 21 children aged 9 to 13 lost their lives.
This action, perceived by many as a hasty response, occurred amid increasing calls for reform in boarding schools.
The Ministry of Health raised significant issues during their dormitory assessments, including safety, sanitation standards, fire safety measures, and the overall well-being of learners.
Despite the concerns voiced by parents and educators, the Ministry of Education remains resolute, insisting that all schools must adhere to the newly established safety standards.
In the meantime, parents with children enrolled in the affected schools find themselves at a critical juncture, with many expressing frustration over the financial implications.
