Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has clarified the earliest time learners can be required to report to school.
While appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, August 19, Ogamba clarified that learners in day public and private schools should not be required to report before 7:15 a.m.
Ogamba said the requirement is set out in the Basic Education Regulations, 2015, which set the official operating hours for public and private basic education institutions.
CS Ogamba Announces 7:15am Earliest Reporting Time for Learners
The CS explained that the 7:15 a.m. provision is the earliest permissible reporting time and should not be confused with the official start of classroom instruction.
He added that the regulations therefore distinguish between the time learners may report to school and the time formal lessons are expected to begin.
“Regulation 84, subsection 2 of the Basic Education Regulations 2015 stipulates that no day institution of basic education and training shall require learners to report earlier than 7:15 a.m.,” Ogamba said.
“The earliest permissible reporting time is 7:15 a.m., while the prescribed class hours commence from 8 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.”
According to the regulations, official class hours run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Schools may then conduct co-curricular activities from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
“Regulation 84 of the Basic Education Regulations 2015 prescribed the official operating hours for both public and private institutions,” the CS said.
“The official operating hours for all public and private institutions shall be from Monday to Friday as follows: (a) from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for class hours, and 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for co-curricular activities.
The clarification comes as concerns over the hours learners are required to be at school, particularly where early reporting and late departure have raised questions about learner welfare and safety.
Schools Responsible for Learner Safety
Ogamba also pointed to provisions in the Basic Education Regulations that place responsibility for the safety and security of learners on school management.
Regulation 81 provides that matters relating to safety, security and hygiene in basic education institutions are the responsibility of the Board of Management.
Under Regulation 82, Boards of Management must put in place reasonable measures to safeguard learners while they are in school and when they are outside the institution while traveling on school business.
The provisions mean schools must consider learner safety beyond the school compound, including during movements connected to school activities.
Safety Standards for Schools
The CS said the Basic Education Regulations are further supported by the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya, 2008, which provides guidelines for maintaining safe and secure learning environments.
The manual covers several areas, including school grounds and physical security, infrastructure and facilities, health and hygiene, teaching and learning environments, child protection and prevention of abuse.
It also addresses transportation and road safety, disaster preparedness and response, school-community relations, and monitoring and evaluation of safety standards.
The regulations and safety standards therefore place obligations on schools to protect learners while ensuring that school programmes operate within the prescribed hours.
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SGBV Prevention
CS Ogamba said the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya, 2008, provides additional measures to protect learners from abuse and other safety threats.
The manual covers the identification of signs of abuse by learners, teachers, parents and communities, as well as reporting suspected cases to the relevant authorities.
The measures provide a specific learner protection framework for addressing school-based sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The manual also provides for school-level safety structures tasked with identifying safety needs, monitoring safety conditions, coordinating stakeholders and ensuring corrective action where safety concerns are identified.
Schools are expected to regularly review child safety issues within and around their premises and maintain records of safety incidents and corrective measures.
The Basic Education Regulations, 2015, also provide for guidance and counselling services for learners.
The services are intended to support learner welfare, help identify concerns early, and facilitate appropriate referral and support for learners affected by abuse, violence, insecurity, or other challenges.
Parents and Communities Have a Role
The safety standards also recognize that protecting learners requires cooperation beyond the school.
Schools must engage parents and guardians, local communities, government agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders when addressing safety concerns.
Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation concerning children’s movement between home and school.
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