The Ministry of Education has issued a fresh directive to inspectors of both Primary and High Schools across the country after a spike of arson cases in schools.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 10, Early Learning and Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Jwan advised the officials to ensure that they visit dormitories and toilets during the inspection exercise.
The PS further directed the inspectors to avoid getting guided tours by the school staff during inspection exercises.
He explained that the directive was important to establish the suitability of the learning environment in the schools.
Jwan made the remarks when he met senior education officials, led by the Director-General Elyas Abdi at the Kenya School of Government (KSG).
School inspection and supervision is part of the basic role of Quality Assurance and standards system whose objective is to ensure quality control through regular inspection and continuous supervision of instructional and other educational services in the schools.
This directive comes a few weeks after the state experienced a surge in school fires with dormitories being the most affected.
Over 20 schools were affected since the schools were reopened in January.
Alliance High School Principal Macharia Mwangi had on Monday, March 8, argued that students in various schools were increasingly torching their dormitories because they were uncomfortable.
Speaking during Education CS George Magoha's visit, Mwangi further maintained that the behaviour was not borne out of lack of caning in institutions.
“We should ask ourselves why only dorms are set ablaze during riots and not classrooms. Could it be because learners do not feel comfortable?” argued the Principal.
Magoha, however, maintained that corporal punishment would instill discipline in students and avert crises.
