The Ministry of Education (MoE) has directed schools across the country to strictly stick to official learning hours, issuing a stern warning to those that continue to demand early morning reporting from pupils.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba declared that disciplinary action will be taken against institutions flouting official learning hours.
The directive comes amid growing concern over the safety of children forced to leave home as early as 4:30 am to reach school, particularly in rural areas where defilement cases remain high.
Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya raised the alarm in Parliament, urging the ministry to act swiftly and protect vulnerable learners. “At 4:30 am, our girls are walking through bushes in darkness. Are they going to study for PhDs?” she asked, calling for a firm directive to reinforce the 8:00 am reporting time.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier echoed the concern, warning that early travel exposes children to grave risks.
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Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Kisii on September 12, Murkomen said some schools require pupils to report by 6:00 am, forcing them to leave home in the dark. “This is unacceptable and goes against the rules that govern our education system,” Murkomen said.
Ogamba confirmed that some schools were operating outside ministry guidelines and reaffirmed that official learning hours run from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. He said circulars had already been issued and that institutions found violating the policy would face administrative consequences.
“We are working with other government agencies to enforce this regulation. Any school picking up pupils too early will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis,” Ogamba stated.
Donya insisted that enforcement must be firm and visible, warning that she would personally document violations in Kisii if the ministry failed to act.
County education officers have been urged to monitor compliance and hold institutions accountable.
By Masaki Enock
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