9 Coast senior schools face closure over low Grade 10 enrolment

At least nine secondary senior schools from the Coast region risk closure within the next two years for failing to meet the Grade 10 enrolment threshold, Regional Education Director Anne Kiilu has warned.

Kiilu issued the caution on Friday, February 6, 2026, during the Coast Region Secondary School Heads Retreat at Pride Inn Hotel, Mombasa.

Although she did not disclose the names of the affected institutions, Kiilu said the respective school heads were already aware of their status and must urgently devise strategies to boost enrolment or face shutdown.

“We have nine schools that we are going to close in two years’ time. I won’t mention them; the school heads know themselves,” she said.

Kiilu termed it ironic that while some schools have surpassed the Grade 10 enrolment target, others continue to register worryingly low numbers, insisting that leadership and school management play a key role.

 “A school is as good as its principal. If your school has low enrolment, find out what the problem is,” she said.

On infrastructure gaps, Kiilu said school administrators cannot shift blame to the government, arguing they had ample time to prepare for the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE).

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She noted that it was unacceptable for any school to still lack laboratories, workshops, or adequate classrooms at this stage, saying the responsibility lies heavily on school leadership.

“You knew CBE was coming. You had enough time to prepare. You cannot stay quiet knowing very well you don’t have the infrastructure,” she said.

Kiilu urged school heads to actively engage relevant authorities and development partners to improve facilities rather than waiting solely for government intervention.

She emphasized that Competency-Based Education assessment standards will be applied uniformly across all schools, regardless of infrastructural challenges.

The director, however, assured that the Ministry of Education is working to address infrastructure gaps but encouraged principals to be innovative and proactive.

“The ministry will address these issues, but school heads must be creative. Don’t just sit and wait for the government,” she added.

Kiilu directed schools that have exceeded their enrollment capacity to stop further admissions and refer learners to neighbouring schools.

She also urged principals to speak to parents and students, assuring them that other schools offer equally quality education.

The regional director further cautioned teachers against taking and posting images of minors on social media without parental consent, noting that the practice has triggered multiple lawsuits against schools.

“Reckless posting of students online without proper consent has resulted in several legal cases,” she said.

By Shaban Omar