By Enock Okong’o
and Stephen Maranga
Kisii County Education Board has closed down two secondary schools after the institutions reportedly failed to meet requirements of a functional learning institution as per the Education Act.
Utubora and Sebo secondary schools in Gucha Sub County and Sameta Sub County respectively, did not have qualified teachers and enough sanitation facilities.
Kisii County Education Board chairman, Dr Henry Nyabuto Onderi said the institutions had to be closed to prevent students from being exposed to tough learning conditions when they could be readily transferred to other viable institutions.
Dr Onderi said his team’s thorough inspection report revealed some schools in the area did not have Form One to Three students but instead were receiving and enrolling candidates in Form Four.
Reacting to the closures, Kenya Private Schools Owners Association local branch faulted the move and accused the Education Board of arbitrarily closing the schools.
Kenya Private Schools Owners Association local branch members also urged their chairman, Mr Samuel Orenge to come to their rescue.
“The Education board closes some institution over small mistakes that could be corrected and allow them to continue,” said association members.
Meanwhile, Dr Onderi reiterated that private schools operating outside expected Ministry of Education standards risk de-registration and permanent closure if they didn’t immediately work on compliance.
