This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 25, 2019, Education CS George Magoha directed the closure of St. Catherine Bombolulu Primary School in Kibra, citing safety concerns.
The school, which had 207 pupils, was built using corrugated iron sheets and had not been approved.
Magoha assured parents that the closure and transfers would be done in a humane manner to minimize disruption to the learners.
“… From now on, any school that looks like what I have shut down should be closed. Nobody should wait for us to shut them down, we have officers on the ground. But in the process to be humane, that even as we shut them down, can we ensure that there are schools where the minors can be relocated to,” said Magoha.
He further noted that an audit of schools across the country is underway to ensure that all buildings are safe for learners.
When asked about the funding for the audit, CS Magoha said: “When it comes to getting funds to ensure that our children don’t die like chicken the way they did, mine will be made available.”
Magoha took personal responsibility following the tragedy at Precious Talents School on Monday, where 8 pupils were killed and over 50 injured after their classroom collapsed.
