CS Magoha tells schools to observe these official reporting and departure times for learners

Education Cabinet Secretary Pof George Magoha has instructed schools to observe the official reporting and departure times for learners. The CS gave the direction when he visited Precious Talent Academy, in Dagoretti Constituency- Nairobi, following an accident which 7 learners died. The incident occurred at around 8am as the learners of Class 5-8 were starting their morning lessons. “We have official school hours. All must comply-whether public or private schools” the CS said when he visited the tragedy scene on Monday September, 23, 2019.

Related news; Education Ministry issues statement on the Precious Talent school tragedy

In 2015 the Government gazetted the official schools hours after it was realized that most schools were burdening learners with extensive teaching. Regulation 84 of Basic Education Act Regulations 2015 prescribes the official school hours as follows;

1). All day public or private institutions official operating hours shall be Monday to Friday:
(a) 8.00a.m. to 3.30p.m for class hours
(b) 3.30p.m. to 4.45p.m. for co-curricular activities

2). No day institutions of Basic Education and training shall require learners to report earlier than 7.15 a.m.

3). All institutions with boarding facilities shall operate on 24/7 hour basis as follows;
(a) 8.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m; for class Monday to Friday.
(b) 3.30p.m. to 4.45 p.m; for co-curricular activities Monday to Friday
(c) 500 p.m. to 7.30 p.m; for self-directed activities Monday to Friday
(d) 7.30 to 9.30 p.m; preps Monday to Friday;
(e) 9.30 to 6.00 a.m; bedtime Monday to Friday; and
C) 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m; for supervised routine activities.

5). No boarding institution shall send away unaccompanied learner later than 9.00 a.m.
6). The latest reporting time for learners to boarding institutions shall be 5.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Dr. William Ruto has said the Government will carry out audits in all schools to ensure safety of learners. The DP spoke when he paid visits to the injured learners at Kenyatta National Hospital.
“The Ministry of Education will carry out an audit to ascertain the safety of all school buildings countrywide to avert incidents that put the lives of learners at risk,” said the DP.

Deputy President Dr. Willian Ruto (Centre) When he Visited injured pupils of Precious Talent School at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi County.

The DP said a new Public Primary School will be built in the area; at the Lenana School land.
“It is sad this has happened. However, the Government has set aside Ksh10 million to ensure a public primary school is set up soon,” he added. He said he has had discussions with stake holders; including the CS, on constructing the new school.