High Court declines to reopen disputed centres

The High Court in Mombasa yesterday declined to compel the Ministry of Education to hold Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations in three disputed centres. Shanzu Preparatory, Green Field Academy and Sindbard Academy were not registered after the ministry said they failed to meet standards.

The decision affects 10 candidates, who were among 315 pupils who had filed a petition seeking to have the schools reopened after the ministry ordered their closure in September. Justice Eric Ogola declined to issue orders compelling the ministry to review its decision, saying provisions had been made for the candidates.

“I cannot issue any orders to compel the Government to reopen the schools closed because there is no order that will make the Government process and avail exams in centres already declared unsuitable for students,” he said.

The students, through lawyer Albert Atancha, had said the ministry adopted requirements for public and private schools in judging their Alternative Provision to Basic Education and Training institutions.