Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha has called on the Judiciary to respect decision taken by the Ministry of Education to close down schools that do not meet the required standards.
Speaking in Nakuru on Monday morning when he led the led the 100 percent transition mop-up exercise, the CS stated that the schools that were closed down last year were given conditions to meet before they are re-opened.
He however regretted in what he termed is Judiciary issuing out court orders for the same schools to be re-opened yet they have not met the requirements.
While citing St.Charles Motego Primary school in Dagoreti that was closed down but re-opened following a court order.
The CS says already the building in the said school has collapsed okaying the decision that the Ministry took to order closure.
Professor Magoha now calling on the Magistrate who issued the court order for the re-opening of the St.Charles Motego Primary school in Dagoreti to withdraw with immediate effect.
In addition, he has appealed to the Chief Justice David Maraga to ensure Judicial officers visit the schools before issuing out court orders for their re-opening.
“It is very regrettable that Magistrates are giving court orders for the re-opening of the schools that we closed down last year. I therefore appeal to my friend Chief Justice David Maraga to ensure judicial officers visit the schools before issuing out court orders for their re-opening” said Magoha.
Last year the government was categorical that schools that do n ot meet the required standards in terms of infrastructure will be closed down.
For primary schools, the ministry says that a school in rural areas should sit on two acres.
Those in the rural-urban setting should occupy an acre, while those in rural require at least a half acre and an annex where the pupils can engage in co-curricular activities.
The schools should also have at least eight permanent classrooms for a single stream school and toilets at the ratio of 1:40 students.
Secondary schools are required to sit on 10 acres.In cases where the school has one class for each form, then a minimum of four classes are required.
The school also required to have at least two laboratories and basic amenities such as water and toilets at a ratio of 1:40.
PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Education CS Prof.George Magoha signs a visitors’ Book at Kaptembwa Chief’s office in Nakuru West on 3rd Feb, 2020.