Nyeri High Court has ordered the immediate closure of a boarding facility at Hillside Endarasha Academy, citing serious concerns over the safety and health of pupils.
The High Court of Kenya at Nyeri issued an urgent conservatory order regarding the safety and health of students at Endarasha Hill Academy.
The court’s decision comes amidst increasing concerns over the safety of the school’s boarding facilities, affecting the welfare of the minors enrolled there.
Following a notice of motion filed by David Karani, the Elimu Bora Working Group, and several others, the Honourable Justice Kizito Magare emphasized the pressing nature of the situation, stating that the “best interest of the children is at stake.”
The court took judicial notice of the impending end-of-term school closure, underpinning the urgency of ensuring a safe environment for the students.
The court’s order forbids the reopening of the boarding facilities at Endarasha Hill Academy until a thorough inter partes hearing can be conducted.
The decision came in light of concerns raised over potential threats to the safety and health of the minors, with the court demanding detailed health and safety reports, alongside assessments of the dormitories’ structural integrity, to be submitted by the school authorities before the next hearing.
Justice Magare also directed the respondents—including the board of management and the Nyeri County Director of Education—to comply with the order and ensure the wellbeing of the students.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains focused on the safety measures implemented by the Academy, alongside the countdown to the next court session scheduled for October 17, 2024.
This ruling highlights the ongoing commitment of the Kenyan judiciary to protect children’s rights and ensure that educational institutions prioritize their safety and wellbeing.