After Endarasha tragedy, State orders 348 boarding schools changed to day schools
Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County.
What you need to know:
- Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba that 621 candidates from across 198 examinations were found engaging in examination malpractice cases, including unauthorised written materials, mobile phones, collusion, sharing images of their question papers on social media, and impersonation.
- In these cases, investigations are underway, with stern action expected to be taken on individuals found culpable of exam malpractice to ensure that they uphold the sanctity of examination, Mr Ogamba said.
The Ministry of Education has ordered the conversion of 348 boarding schools to day school status following a national assessment of dormitory safety, fire equipment maintenance and sanitation.
The assessment was done following a tragic fire incident at Hill Side Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County in September where 21 boys died after a fire broke out at the school dormitory at midnight, leaving others with injures and properties of unknown value destroyed.
Following the incident, President William Ruto ordered a national assessment of all boarding schools to ensure their safety, compliance with government regulations as well as whether they provided a conducive learning environment.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said during the assessment, at least 348 schools were deemed non-compliant, with the government directing they operate as day schools from January 2025.
"A total of 348 boarding schools were deemed non-compliant during assessment and will only operate as day school from January 2025. Major concerns pointed out during exercise include dormitory safety, sanitation, fire equipment maintenance, and overall learner welfare," Mr Ogamba said.
The Education CS was addressing the media in Nakuru on the completion of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, where out of the 965,501 candidates who were sitting the examinations, 28 candidates undertook examinations in various hospitals.
He said that 621 candidates from across 198 examinations were found engaging in examination malpractice cases, including unauthorised written materials, mobile phones, collusion, sharing images of their question papers on social media, and impersonation.
In these cases, investigations are underway, with stern action expected to be taken on individuals found culpable of exam malpractice to ensure that they uphold the sanctity of examination, Mr Ogamba said.
The CS said that the exam council has invited 32,800 examiners this year, up from 29,876 in 2023, to ensure timely and accurate marking.
“Despite heavy rain and insecurity in some parts of the country, no candidate was left behind. I wish to thank the Multi-agency examination Administration team comprising officials of the Ministry of Education, Interior and National Administration, ICT, and TSC, who have played a vital role in the efficient coordination of the examination season,” Mr Ogamba said.
The CS revealed that the marking of Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) has been completed with Knec embarking on developing a relevant report for sharing with schools and learners in January.
He said that the Ministry has disbursed funds budgeted for capitation to ensure smooth operation, with Sh65 billion allocated for free day secondary Education, Sh35 billion for junior schools, and Sh9 billion for primary schools.
To accommodate learners' transition, the CS said that the government has set aside Sh18 billion for Grade Nine infrastructure development to bridge gaps and provide accessible, inclusive, and quality education.
The government had initially planned to construct 16,000 grade nine classrooms, but after assessment, it initiated the construction of 18,000 classrooms, which will be completed in three phases.
Phase one will deliver 3,500 classrooms, which are nearly complete, while phase two will deliver 7,500 classrooms. Schools are commencing the process and expected to be ready by January 2025.
NG-CDF is expected to support the construction of an additional 6,800 classrooms. Due to Nairobi County's unique challenges, an additional 1 billion has been allocated.
“Apart from the construction of classrooms, significant progress has been made to ensure a seamless transition to grade 9. Textbook distribution will be completed by December. Over 46,000 intern teachers confirmed, and 20,000 new intern teachers are being recruited for junior schools. There are 60,000 primary school teachers retooled to teach in junior school,” said Mr Ogamba.
The CS said that the Ministry has implemented strategic initiatives to ensure readiness for the rollout of senior education under CBC, a comprehensive assessment in senior schools ongoing to ensure they meet the required standard for hosting Grade 10.
He said that the Ministry is investing in additional classrooms, laboratories, and learning facilities to support expanded curriculum and co-curricular activities in Grade 10.
