Parents of learners studying at Oserian High School in Naivasha, Nakuru County have appealed to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to intervene after the school was closed indefinitely days before the opening date scheduled for January 8.
Speaking to the press, the parents complained that they did not have other options for their children especially those joining form four who may be forced to repeat if they join another school.
The parents further complained about the distance to other schools, which will require them to alter their arrangements and conduct further due diligence to assess the institutions in question and guarantee the safety of their children.
"I am hurt, I have a form four student who just completed his education. I do not know how he will get his academic certificates," one parent told journalists.
In a statement, the school's management revealed that the closure has been prompted by the prevailing cost of living and high taxes in general which have made it difficult to sustain the school leading to the abrupt closure.
Responding to the matter, parents asked the government to reconsider some of the taxes being imposed adding that the current economic situation is putting business owners in a tight spot with some being forced to close down or relocate.
The students and parents were informed about the changes via a WhatsApp message two weeks ago leaving them in a dilemma. This announcement came a few days before schools reopened.
Besides the disadvantage to the students, the parents noted that the development had now rendered the school's employees jobless.
Parents asked the Ministry of Education to put up measures to stop learning institutions from abruptly shutting down and leaving the stakeholders in limbo.
Notably, this is not the first school to close down owing to the high cost of living and skyrocketing taxes. In October a private school in Nairobi announced it would not resume operations in 2024.
"The harsh business environment is exerting a lot of pressure on the directors and because of their age, they have opted to retire and close the school from next year," read part of the statement from the school started in 1993.
