Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, announced plans to abolish the boarding system from Grade 1 to Grade 9.
PS Belio stated that the plan to eliminate boarding schools in primary schools is nearing completion and will go into effect in early 2023.
It is estimated that if the proposal is implemented, at least 28% of pupils in boarding primary schools will be forced to transfer to day schools.
“We must create a way in which we can be with our children and the only way is through day schooling. The first nine years of learning that are Grades 1 to 9, the direction that the government is taking will be day schooling,” Kipsang’ said.
Already, the government has mandated that JSS be housed in primary schools, which means that students will continue to attend their current schools, which will now have to be day schools.
According to Kipsang’, parents have the primary responsibility as first educators to walk with their children and ensure that they acquire the values that they desire for them.
“We cannot outsource our responsibility as we parents, we only co-parent with teachers but we cannot outsource parenting from the teachers,” Kipsang’ said.
“Going forward, day schooling will be the direction, that’s the only way we shall be able to engage with our children.”
Kipsang’ made the revelations while representing President William Ruto at the 18th Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) official opening ceremony.
The principals of primary schools are gathering in Mombasa for their Annual General Meeting at the Sheik Zayed Children’s Welfare Center.
According to Kipsang’, Kenya has the highest percentage of its children in boarding schools in the world, at 28%.
He stated that this is in contrast to the global rate in most countries, which is 15%.
