Senate motion seeks gradual phase-out of boarding schools nationwide, proposing a hybrid system after recurring fires and unrest.
A proposal seeking to gradually phase out boarding schools countrywide and replace them with a hybrid system has been formally tabled before the Senate for consideration.
The motion, sponsored by Senators Catherine Mumma and Veronica Maina and submitted on Wednesday, June 17, is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at addressing rising cases of student unrest, arson attacks, and insecurity in senior secondary schools.
Maina argued that despite existing laws requiring safe learning environments, the country continues to experience frequent school unrest and fires that expose learners to risk.
"Kenya continues to witness recurrent cases of student unrest, school strikes and arson attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning," the notice read in part.
Among the proposals is a recommendation that the Ministry of Education develop a framework to gradually eliminate boarding schools altogether.
"The Senate therefore resolves that the Ministry of Education should develop modalities for phasing out boarding schools and introducing a hybrid set-up where all schools have both day and boarding arrangements," the notice added.
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
The senators also called for mandatory annual fire safety audits in all boarding institutions, along with the installation of emergency exits, firefighting equipment, and fire detection systems. They further pushed for the development of clear national evacuation and disaster response protocols.
The Ministry of Education would also be required to table a comprehensive report on the implementation of recommendations from past school fire investigations, while national and county governments would be expected to increase investment in firefighting infrastructure, emergency response systems, communication equipment, and disaster management training.
TSC and a 90-Day Inquiry
The Teachers Service Commission would be tasked with strengthening student discipline, learner well-being, and stakeholder engagement to address the root causes of unrest in schools.
To ensure lasting solutions, the Senate Standing Committee on Education would be required to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into school unrest and arson attacks, submitting its findings within 90 days.
