The Kenyan Ministry of Education has ordered for the immediate closure of 348 primary schools that have a boarding section across the country.
This was due to the failure to meet safety and compliance standards.
An extensive assessment was conducted in September and October 2024 to evaluate the adherence of these institutions to Safety Standards for Basic Education Institutions.
Photo: Courtesy
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang revealed that the schools in question were found to have grossly violated key safety provision as dated on 27th November 2024.
Nairobi led with the highest number of Primary Schools closed (44). This followed the assessment that was done after the fire incident at Hill Side Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County in September where 21 boys died.
Fire broke out at the school dormitory at midnight, leaving other casualties in the school injure and properties destroyed.
Othe schools included Kisii (13), Kiambu (13), Kericho (26), Nandi (15) among other schools.
With the closure of the schools, the government directed them to operate as day schools.
The school is set to reopen in a month’s time.
Parents whose children were studying in boarding schools closed have been forced to make alternative arrangements as the schools are set to operate as day schools.
