The Senate Education Committee has raised concerns over the increase in private schools in the country, claiming that some of these schools are operating illegally.
The lawmakers led by nominated senator Tabitha Mutinda, who singled out South B and South C estates in Nairobi County, urged the Ministry of Education to investigate such schools and ensure the quality of education is not compromised.
“The people of South B and C are concerned about these schools and what they teach,” Mutinda said.
According to senator Mutinda, several houses in these areas are now being turned into learning institutions teaching adult learners.
She further cautioned that the quality of education and the security of South B and South C residents may be affected if the matter is not addressed.
“I am aware of 256 private schools in the area, and you have admitted that in the 118 that are recorded in your ministry, there are 53 which are illegal.” She stated.
“We are not only talking of illegality, but we are also talking of a house that operates Class 1 to 8. We need to know if we are having foreigners operating such schools and what action will be taken against them,” senator Mutinda added.
Moreover, Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma urged the Ministry of Education to shut down any school operating illegally as well as those that failed to follow the laid down guidelines for registration.
“The guidelines must be followed before the schools are established. We need to be provided with a list of the schools that have complied with the regulations and those that have not. Those that have not complied should be closed immediately,” Mwaruma said.
On his side, chairperson of the committee Joe Nyutu stated that “You need to fast track the registration of school. Let professionals be allowed to do their job.”
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He further called for the streaming of registration process.
“If quality assurance and standards officer has recommended registration of a school, if a public health officer has recommended that the school meets the requirement why should a bunch of ‘farmers’ in the name of County Education Board tire the registration process?” he posed.
Nonetheless, the Senate Education Committee made these remarks and observations during a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Thursday, March 9.
The Education CS vowed to take action against illegally established schools.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and any school that will be found to be operating illegally will be closed indefinitely,” Machogu assured.
