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Education officials from the Ministry of Education and TSC have launched an investigation into severe overcrowding at Alliance Girls High School, where some classrooms reportedly hold up to 70 students, raising concerns about the quality of learning and student welfare.
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Meanwhile, the school has reduced student telephone call charges from Ksh20 to Ksh10 per minute following public criticism, as stakeholders await recommendations from the quality assurance team on addressing congestion.
A team of Quality Assurance and Standards officers (QASOs) from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Tuesday descended on Alliance Girls High School to investigate growing concerns over severe overcrowding, with reports indicating that some classrooms are currently accommodating up to 70 students.
The high-profile visit follows mounting public concern over the school’s capacity to effectively handle its growing student population.
It is reported that education officials spent the day assessing learning conditions, inspecting facilities, and gathering firsthand information on the extent of congestion that has sparked debate among parents, education stakeholders and the wider public.
Sources at the school say the inspection focused on classroom space, student welfare and the impact of overcrowding on teaching and learning.
Stakeholders have warned that packed classrooms could undermine effective instruction, reduce teacher-student interaction and negatively affect academic performance.
The assessment is expected to inform recommendations on possible interventions, including infrastructure expansion and measures to ensure learning environments remain conducive for students and teachers alike.
In another significant development, the school has responded to concerns raised over communication costs for students.
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Following public criticism and media reports highlighting the Ksh20-per-minute telephone call charges imposed on learners, the rate has now been reduced by half to Ksh10 per minute.
The reduction has been welcomed by many parents and education advocates, who view it as a positive step toward making communication between students and their families more affordable.
However, some stakeholders continue to push for further reviews, arguing that access to parents and guardians should not come at a prohibitive cost.
The latest developments are being seen as early signs that concerns raised by parents and the public are beginning to yield results.
Attention now shifts to the findings of the Quality Assurance team and the recommendations that may emerge to address the congestion challenge facing one of Kenya’s most prestigious national schools.
By Kithinji Njeru
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