Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for a review of boarding schools and the government’s 100 per cent transition policy following the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 learners.
Contributing to a motion on the incident in the National Assembly, lawmakers argued that overcrowding in schools and the continued reliance on boarding facilities have contributed to recurring safety challenges in learning institutions.
Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya urged the country to reconsider the boarding school model, noting that many of the tragedies affecting learners occur within or around such institutions.
Her sentiments were echoed by Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, who questioned the relevance of boarding schools, saying there was “something fundamentally wrong” with their design and management.
Milemba linked the problem to increased enrolment under the 100 per cent transition policy, arguing that schools have become congested as they struggle to accommodate all learners progressing to secondary education.
Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen also called for a re-examination of the role of boarding schools, noting that such institutions are limited in many developed countries.
ALSO READ:
Early education boosted in Busia as county breaks ground for new ECDE classrooms
Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo said the country needed clear strategies to protect learners from recurring fire incidents, including a review of boarding arrangements.
However, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo cautioned against attributing the problem solely to boarding schools, arguing that the incidents point to deeper social challenges affecting young people and society at large.
Igembe North MP Julius Taitumul linked the tragedy to declining moral values, saying it reflected broader weaknesses within the country’s social fabric.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo blamed overcrowding caused by inadequate infrastructure despite increased enrolment under the transition policy. He said both the government and Parliament had failed the learners who died and should take collective responsibility for the tragedy.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, on his part, faulted parents for neglecting their role in instilling discipline, saying many had delegated the responsibility to schools and digital devices.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi described the incidents as a reflection of a wider moral crisis and proposed the introduction of science as a compulsory subject across schools nationwide.
ALSO READ:
The tragedy of waiting: Lessons from The Truly Married Woman for modern Kenyans
The debate has revived a long-running national conversation on the future of boarding schools. In 2022, then Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced plans to phase out boarding schools from Grade One to Grade Nine.
Despite the concerns raised, supporters of boarding schools maintain that they provide safe and stable learning environments for vulnerable children, including orphans and learners rescued from abusive homes, early marriages and domestic violence.
The lawmakers’ proposals come amid growing calls for stronger safety measures in schools following a series of fire incidents that have exposed gaps in infrastructure, student welfare and institutional management.
By Juma Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
