Parents in Kisii County have commended the Ministry of Education for closing down boarding schools deemed unsuitable for housing students. Speaking to Education News this morning, they urged the government to extend the crackdown to boarding secondary schools, highlighting concerns over poor hygiene conditions that pose significant health risks to students.
“This is a positive step, as many private owners have been exploiting parents by charging extra fees for inadequate facilities,” said Anne Biyaki, a local parent.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the closure of 348 boarding sections in primary schools nationwide, with 17 of these located in Kisii County. Affected institutions include River Bank Academy, St. Anne Metaburo in Etago Sub-county, and Tabaka Girls, among others.
The closures follow a Ministry assessment conducted in September and October. In a letter signed by Basic Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, all County Directors of Education have been instructed to enforce the closure directive immediately.
“The purpose of this circular is therefore to direct you to close down the boarding sections of all schools within your jurisdiction that were not approved, as per the attached list,” the letter reads.
Regional Directors of Education and their assistants have also been tasked with informing parents of affected students in advance, allowing them time to transfer to other schools.