CS for Education,Julius Migosi Ogamba.
By I.P. reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya.
A Ministry of Education inspection report has revealed hazardous conditions in 348 boarding schools across Kenya, prompting the government to consider their closure.
The schools, described as “death traps,” are plagued by unsafe buildings, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate fire safety measures.
Unsafe Schools Put Thousands of Learners at Risk.
The inspection, part of a nationwide safety audit of Kenya’s 6,000 boarding schools, found that 5.8% of the institutions failed to meet basic safety standards.
Most of the flagged schools cater to primary and junior secondary students, often in rural areas where access to alternative education is limited.
Some of the most troubling findings included overcrowded dormitories, dilapidated buildings, outdated electrical systems, and insufficient fire exits.
Nearly 85% of the flagged schools lack evacuation plans, making them ill-equipped to handle emergencies such as fires.
The safety audit followed years of incidents that highlighted the risks facing boarding school students.
In 2017, a fire at Moi Girls’ School in Nairobi killed nine students.
Investigators found that the dormitory had only one exit and lacked fire extinguishers.
In 2021, a roof collapse at Asumbi Girls Boarding School injured more than 100 students.
The dormitory had been flagged for maintenance, but no action was taken.
In 2023, a cholera outbreak at a boarding school in Murang’a County hospitalized 40 students, underscoring poor sanitation standards in some institutions.
Underlying Causes of the Crisis.
The rapid expansion of boarding schools, coupled with weak oversight, has contributed to the crisis.
Over the past five years, more than 200 new boarding schools have opened, many without undergoing proper safety assessments.
Profit-driven management practices have also worsened conditions.
To accommodate increasing enrollment, some schools have cut corners, using substandard materials and failing to maintain infrastructure.
The government’s limited funding for school renovations has exacerbated the problem.
In 2022, only 2 billion Kenyan shillings ($13.2 million) were allocated for school upgrades, far below the 5 billion shillings requested by the Ministry of Education.
Consequences for Students.
Unsafe boarding schools pose severe risks to students’ physical and mental health.
Kenya has recorded at least 15 fires in boarding schools over the past decade, resulting in more than 30 deaths and multiple injuries.
Overcrowding and poor ventilation have led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and respiratory infections.
The fear and anxiety caused by unsafe conditions further hinder students’ ability to focus and succeed academically.
Government and Stakeholders Respond.
The findings have prompted calls for immediate action from parents, educators, and policymakers.
Closing the 348 schools could displace more than 150,000 students, raising concerns about the availability of alternative education options.
To address the crisis, stakeholders have proposed several measures:
Enforcing stricter safety standards outlined in the Basic Education Regulations of 2015, which require fire exits, safety equipment, and adequate student space.
Allocating at least 10 billion shillings ($66 million) for school renovations, prioritizing high-risk institutions.
Establishing a biannual inspection schedule to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
Introducing mandatory safety training for school staff and administrators.
A Call for Accountability.
Kenya’s education sector faces a crucial moment as it grapples with the consequences of systemic negligence.
While the closure of 348 schools may disrupt learning for thousands of students, it offers an opportunity to prioritize safety and rebuild trust in the education system.
“All children deserve a safe environment to learn and thrive,” education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba said. “We will not tolerate negligence that endangers the lives of our students.”
As the government works to address these issues, the spotlight remains on ensuring that no student’s life is put at risk in pursuit of an education.
Ends.
