Gov't orders closure of 348 boarding schools

The Ministry of Education has directed the closure of 348 primary boarding schools across Kenya following a nationwide safety compliance audit conducted between September and October 2024.

The audit revealed that the affected institutions failed to meet key safety standards outlined in the Basic Education Guidelines (2021) and the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008).

Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang stated that the move aims to prioritize student safety in the wake of increasing concerns over unsafe learning environments.

“Institutions grossly contravening safety provisions have been directed to shut down their boarding sections immediately,” Dr Kipsang said.

The decision comes after a series of school fires and unrest in 2024, which left several dormitories destroyed and raised alarm over the safety of boarding facilities.

Stakeholders, including parents, have expressed mixed reactions, with some lauding the ministry’s commitment to safety while others worry about the abruptness of the decision and its impact on students.

Reopening of these facilities will require compliance with safety standards through a rigorous re-registration process.

Affected parents have been urged to make alternative arrangements for their children.

This development is part of a broader effort to improve safety and accountability in schools following tragic incidents such as the Endarasha fire in September, which prompted calls for stricter regulations.