NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of boarding facilities in 340 public and private primary schools nationwide due to non-compliance with safety standards.
In a circular dated November 27, 2024, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang instructed regional, county, and subcounty education officers to ensure these boarding sections remain shut when schools reopen for Term 1 on January 6, 2025.
“The purpose of this circular is to direct you to close the boarding sections of all schools within your jurisdiction that were not approved as per the attached list,” PS Kipsang stated.
List Of Schools Affected By Directive
Parents of affected learners are to be informed promptly to facilitate alternative arrangements.
The directive follows a compliance assessment carried out in September and October, revealing gross violations of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) and the Registration Guidelines for Basic Education Institutions (2021).
Safety Audit Triggered by Dormitory Tragedy
The nationwide compliance audit was prompted by a tragic dormitory fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County on September 5, which claimed the lives of 21 boys.
The assessment uncovered alarming violations, including:
The use of triple-decker wooden beds with insufficient spacing and inadequate two-meter escape pathways.
Dormitories fitted with grills on windows, single exits, and doors that opened inward, obstructing emergency escapes.
Unapproved conversion of dining halls, classrooms, and workshops into dormitories.
Lack of essential facilities such as sickbays, qualified nurses, treated drinking water, and dormitory patrons or wardens.
Admission of pre-primary learners into boarding sections, contravening guidelines.
Inadequate security measures, including porous fences and unmanned gates.
Reopening Contingent on Compliance
PS Kipsang emphasized that affected schools must undergo rigorous re-registration to reopen their boarding sections.
“This is a non-negotiable process aimed at ensuring that the safety and well-being of learners remain a priority,” he stated.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that the 2025 academic calendar will commence as scheduled on January 6. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is implementing new guidelines for administering national assessments and exams.
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to prioritizing learner safety and maintaining high standards in educational institutions.
