Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, on Wednesday, December 7, revealed that the plan to abolish the boarding system from Grade 1 to Grade 9 would not be effected in arid and semi-arid areas.
While speaking to the press, Kipsang noted that the move would enable parents in those areas to look for a source of livelihood and pasture for the cattle.
He also clarified that abolishing boarding would allow learners to bond more with their parents.
"When their parents go out to look for pasture, we want to ensure the children are in school. We are encouraging all our junior secondary schools to be an environment that allows children to be close and bond with their parents.
"For the existing boarding facilities, the communities and the state will agree on the way forward,” Kipsang stated.
PS Belio also reiterated that the plan to do away with boarding schools would make education more affordable.
According to Kipsang, county schools charge extra money for boarding in their school fees which range between Ksh45,000 and Ksh53,000 in annual fees.
The abolishment of boarding in primary schools elicited mixed reactions from various education stakeholders.
Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Collins Oyuu backed the move, adding that parents strained in terms of paying the fees to enable their children to stay in school. He, however, called for the government to implement the plan in phases.
"The idea being propelled in the education sector is to make education affordable. Boarding schools are expensive," Oyuu stated.
Julius Melly, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, concurred, adding that parents had left their responsibilities to the teachers.
“Many parents wish that all their children be in boarding schools. Many of us don’t know our children. Let all the schools be day schools.” he stated.
