Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that the government would not abolish Boarding schools.
Speaking while presiding over the release of form one placement at the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development, (KICD) on Monday, January 16, Machogu clarified that there were no plans to do away with boarding schools.
However, Machogu added that there was a need for boarding schools to integrate day programs as a way of reducing operational costs for the institutions.
The CS added that the move would additionally increase access to the institutions for all students in the CBC curriculum.
“I encourage all boarding schools to implement day wings in order to increase access and reduce educational costs, which is also consistent with the CBC,” Machogu stated
Addressing the issue of ease of the provision of education to the learners, the CS added that the government would provide medical cover for students registered under the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
Machogu explained that this would ensure that learners in boarding schools remain comfortable and that medical care costs are reduced for their parents and guardians.
“We will also provide sanitary products to the learners to reduce cost and ensure that they are comfortable in school,” Machogu added.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced the abolishment of the boarding system for grade 1 to grade 9 learners on Tuesday, December 6, stating that the plan would take effect in early 2023
“The only way to be with our children is through day schooling, so we must find a way to implement that,” Kipsang noted.
However, on Wednesday, December 7, The PS revealed that the abolishment in arid and semi-arid areas would enable parents look for sources of livelihood and pasture for the cattle.
"When their parents go out to look for pasture, we want to ensure the children are in school, “ Kipsang added.
