This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 11, 2019, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's directive led to the closure of at least 29 schools in West Pokot County. The directive targeted public and private schools found to be unsafe for learners.
West Pokot County Director of Education Jacob Onyiego stated that most of the closed schools had poor infrastructure and were not registered. He noted that some schools had cracks on the walls, lacked toilets, or had unsafe dormitories and kitchens.
According to Onyiego, 15 private and 14 public schools were shut down, with 26 primary schools and three secondary schools affected. Over 2,000 learners were transferred to other schools as a result.
Onyiego also highlighted that some schools were built on private property, leading to land ownership wrangles that affected learning. He emphasized that West Pokot County is vast, and many residents do not have title deeds.
Magoha's directive followed the tragic incident at Precious Talents School in Nairobi, where eight students lost their lives when their classrooms collapsed.
