This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya reversed the order to shut down 15 schools in Maasai Mau forest, citing the need to allow Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations to proceed uninterrupted.
The schools, which include Kirobon, Senetwet, Kapsibilwo, Kitoben, Indianit, Kabarak, Noosogami, Chorwet, Ogilgei, Sebetet, Olabai, Koitabai, Chebirbelek, Chebetet, and Lelechwet, were initially slated for closure due to encroachment on the Maasai Mau forest.
However, Mr. Natembeya announced a 60-day grace period for families to vacate the water tower area, coinciding with the last day of the national examinations.
He emphasized that families without children in the schools should use the period to leave the water tower, while those with examination candidates would be allowed to stay.
The decision came after Kenya Forestry Service rangers and police officers were deployed to the section of the forest, with reports of security forces issuing warnings to teachers against allowing learners into the schools.
