This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 6, 2019, the education ministry in Kenya made the decision to shut down schools considered unsafe due to substandard structures, following the loss of eight pupils from Precious Top Talent.
At least 150 schools in various parts of the country have been closed as a result of this directive.
However, a section of MPs, led by MP Emmanuel Wangwe, has criticized the decision as reactionary and not long-term.
Wangwe argues that the ministry should give schools a timeline to renovate and upgrade their structures, rather than shutting them down immediately.
Coast Regional Director of Education Hassan Duale has ordered the closure of 147 privately operated schools in the region that failed to meet the required standards, and their operating licenses were revoked.
Duale has assured that the affected children will be transferred to nearby schools where they will be accommodated until they complete their exams.
He also issued a stern warning to directors operating unregistered private schools, stating that his team will not hesitate to bring their operations to a halt.
Two proprietors were arrested on Saturday morning for reopening schools that had earlier been closed.
