This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2019, the government announced the closure of Precious Talents School following the tragic death of eight children.
Parents of the surviving children are now pleading with the Education Ministry to reconsider the decision, citing the lack of alternative institutions in the area.
During a memorial service for the victims, Gilbert Isiche, a parent, expressed his concerns, saying, 'Everybody has spoken about those who died but not about those who were left behind.'
He urged the government to let the school remain open, stating that his child has nowhere else to go that is close to home.
The nearest learning institution, according to Isiche, is located in Jamhuri, a one-hour walk from Dagoretti.
Education CS George Magoha had announced the closure of Precious Talents School on Thursday as part of the crackdown on institutions with substandard infrastructure.
So far, four schools have been closed since the Precious Talents tragedy on Monday last week.
Education PS Belio Kipsang reiterated that schools posing a danger to children will be shut down, but arrangements will be made for children from the affected schools to be transferred elsewhere.
Parents are also free to move their children to private establishments, according to Kipsang.
The proprietor of the Precious Talents, Moses Wainaina, has since been arrested and detained for 15 days as investigations continue.
