A section of lawmakers has called for the abolition of boarding schools following a series of dormitory fire tragedies.
During a National Assembly debate, several legislators questioned whether the boarding school model still serves the best interests of learners, pointing to severe overcrowding across the country.
"We should not have boarding schools because we have had more deaths because of these boarding schools," Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya said during the parliamentary session.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba also questioned the viability of the current system, arguing that safety concerns point to deeper structural problems. He linked the crisis directly to the high volume of students entering secondary education under government directives.
Coming in the wake of a deadly blaze at Utumishi Girls Academy, lawmakers argued that recurring school fires and growing safety hazards have exposed major weaknesses within the boarding system.
"There is something wrong with the boarding schools; let's do away with them. There is something wrong with the intake policy, which has made boarding schools congested," Milemba said.
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Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo supported this view, stating that infrastructure has failed to match rising student numbers. He noted that even in high-end schools, dormitories are dangerously overcrowded with beds placed in corridors and next to emergency exits. According to Amollo, the 100 per cent transition policy is a major part of the problem.
The proposal to abolish the system has generated mixed reactions among education stakeholders. While some parents support a review to ensure student safety, others fear that removing boarding options could disadvantage vulnerable children. Supporters of the system emphasize that boarding schools provide a safe haven for orphans and children escaping domestic hardships.
However, some leaders believe the root issue lies beyond infrastructure. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula blamed parents for neglecting their guidance roles and passing disciplinary responsibility to digital devices. He observed that few parents sit with their children to teach them life principles.
The ongoing debate has reopened long-standing discussions regarding the future of the school framework. The Red Cross reported 37 school fires since January 2026 alone, putting pressure on authorities to find immediate solutions to safeguard learners.