The Kiambu County administration has launched a fresh crackdown on schools that fail to comply with official operating hours, citing growing concerns over the safety and welfare of learners.
In a directive issued to education and administrative officers across the county, Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura ordered strict enforcement of national education guidelines governing reporting and closing times for learners in both public and private day schools.
The move follows concerns raised during a regional stakeholders’ consultative forum on sexual and gender-based violence, suicide and child welfare issues held recently at Nyeri Polytechnic. Participants at the forum reportedly linked the violation of school operating hours to an increase in cases of defilement, teenage pregnancies and missing children across the region.
According to county officials, learners are increasingly exposed to danger when schools require them to report too early in the morning or leave late in the evening. Such practices often force students, particularly day scholars, to travel in darkness, making them vulnerable to criminal activities and other risks.
To address the issue, the county government has directed Deputy County Commissioners to ensure full compliance with regulations outlined under the Basic Education Regulations of 2015.
Under the guidelines, learning activities in day schools should begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., while co-curricular activities are expected to run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Schools are also prohibited from requiring learners to report before 7:15 a.m.
Commissioner Matundura warned that school heads who continue to disregard the regulations will face accountability measures, noting that institutions have been operating outside the legal framework despite being aware of the requirements.
He emphasized that the county administration will work closely with sub-county security and education teams to monitor compliance and ensure that learners remain protected both within and outside school compounds.
The directive comes at a time when concerns over child protection continue to grow, with authorities increasingly focusing on preventive measures aimed at reducing risks facing school-going children.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, saying strict adherence to school schedules will help safeguard learners, especially those who walk long distances to and from school.
County officials maintain that compliance with established operating hours is not only a legal requirement but also a critical child protection measure. They argue that ensuring learners travel during safe daylight hours can significantly reduce exposure to abuse, exploitation and other dangers.
The county now hopes that stricter enforcement will strengthen learner safety and contribute to improved child welfare outcomes across Kiambu.
