This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
On September 27, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha shut down Greenfield Primary School in Kwale, citing poor infrastructure. However, the school's pupils, along with those from Sinbad Academy and Shanzu Preparatory School, have taken Magoha to court over the decision.
The pupils argue that the closure is illegal and contravenes the constitution. They claim that the decision has denied them access to education, as there are no other public primary schools or affordable private schools in the area.
According to the pupils' lawyer, Anthony Atancha, the schools are regularly registered under the Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) Category. The closure follows an order by Magoha in September that required all schools with below-standard facilities to be shut down, following the tragic collapse of classes at Precious Talent Primary School on Ngong Road, which claimed the lives of seven pupils.
Magoha had stated that any school resembling those he had shut down should be closed, and that pupils and students from the 52 closed schools would be relocated to other institutions to ensure learning is not affected.
However, the pupils argue that the decision to close their schools was made in an arbitrary manner, and that they should be allowed to continue their education.
