Migori County, Kenya : Ragana Girls High School in Suna West, Migori County, has been closed indefinitely as of Monday, July 15, following a decision by the school’s Board of Management. The closure was triggered by serious concerns over the lack of clean water and the poor condition of the dormitories, creating an environment deemed unsafe for students.
Students reported having to use dirty water from a pond within the school compound, raising significant health risks. Complaints about the deteriorating state of the dormitories further highlighted the urgency of the situation. These issues prompted the Board of Management to take immediate action, resulting in the closure of the school until the problems could be addressed.
The sudden closure has affected 400 students, who have been sent home indefinitely. This unexpected decision has left many students in a state of uncertainty, as their peers in other schools continue with their second term.
Prior to the official announcement, some students staged a protest, carrying placards demanding the resignation of the principal. The protest underscored the growing discontent among the student body and the pressing need for the school administration to address their concerns.
Parents and the school management have been urged to resolve the issues swiftly to allow students to resume their education as soon as possible. One concerned parent emphasized the importance of addressing the students’ grievances promptly to prevent further complications.
“If we just leave it as it is and the students come back, it will bring a lot of complications, and nowadays you know who Gen Zs are, they are not ready to listen and we must know how to tame them and make them listen,” the parent remarked.
The closure of Ragana Girls High School occurred shortly after a similar incident at Kerugoya Boys High School in Kirinyaga County, which was also closed indefinitely following a dormitory fire. The fire, which broke out on Saturday night, disrupted students during their evening preparations. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Alosow assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable.
“Nobody was injured. Give us time to investigate, let us not speculate,” the County Commissioner stated.
Both incidents highlight the urgent need for improved health and safety standards in schools to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.