Senators Propose Phasing Out Boarding Schools in Major Shift to Hybrid Learning System

Senators Propose Phasing Out Boarding Schools in Major Shift to Hybrid Learning System

NAIROBI, Kenya – A major proposal that could fundamentally reshape Kenya’s education system has been formally presented before the Senate, seeking the gradual phase-out of boarding schools and the introduction of a hybrid learning model combining both day and boarding options.

The proposal, sponsored by nominated Senators Catherine Mumma and Veronica Maina, comes amid growing concern over the rising number of student unrest incidents, school strikes, arson attacks, and safety challenges that have affected learning institutions across the country in recent years.

Tabled in the Senate on Wednesday, June 17, the motion outlines a series of reforms aimed at improving learner safety, strengthening school management, and addressing the root causes of unrest that have led to the destruction of property and, in some cases, loss of life.

According to the senators, despite existing laws and regulations requiring schools to provide safe learning environments, incidents of dormitory fires and student disturbances continue to occur with alarming frequency.

“Kenya continues to witness recurrent cases of student unrest, school strikes and arson attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning,” part of the Senate notice states.

The lawmakers argue that the recurring incidents demonstrate the need for comprehensive reforms that go beyond emergency responses and instead focus on long-term solutions to improve safety and student welfare.

Hybrid School Model Proposed

At the center of the proposal is a recommendation that the Ministry of Education develop a structured framework to gradually transition schools from fully boarding institutions into hybrid schools that offer both day and boarding arrangements.

“The Senate therefore resolves that the Ministry of Education should develop modalities for phasing out boarding schools and introducing a hybrid set-up where all schools have both day and boarding arrangements,” the notice further states.

Supporters of the proposal believe that allowing more learners to study as day scholars could help reduce congestion in boarding facilities, strengthen parental involvement in students’ lives, and lower the risks associated with large boarding populations.

The proposal, however, is expected to spark debate among education stakeholders, with some likely to question its impact on learners from remote regions who rely heavily on boarding facilities to access quality education.

Enhanced Safety Measures Recommended

Beyond the proposed hybrid learning model, the motion outlines several measures aimed at improving safety standards in schools.

Among the recommendations are mandatory annual fire safety audits for all boarding institutions, installation of modern fire detection systems, emergency exits, and adequate firefighting equipment.

The senators also want the government to establish clear national disaster preparedness and evacuation protocols to ensure schools are better equipped to respond to emergencies.

Education authorities would further be required to provide a comprehensive report detailing the implementation status of recommendations arising from previous investigations into school fires and unrest incidents.

Inquiry Into School Unrest

The motion also calls for increased investment by both national and county governments in firefighting infrastructure, emergency response systems, communication equipment, and disaster management training.

In addition, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would be tasked with strengthening student discipline programs, learner welfare initiatives, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms aimed at addressing underlying causes of unrest.

To provide lasting solutions, the Senate Standing Committee on Education would be required to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into school unrest, arson attacks, and safety concerns in learning institutions.

The committee would then submit its findings and recommendations within 90 days.

If adopted, the proposal could trigger one of the most significant transformations in Kenya’s education sector in decades, as policymakers seek new ways to improve student safety, learning outcomes, and institutional stability across the country.

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Senators Propose Phasing Out Boarding Schools in Major Shift to Hybrid Learning System