Nyeri: High Court Orders Immediate Closure of Hillside Endarasha Boarding, Cites Pupils' Safety

 

Hillside Endarasha Academy.

The High Court has ordered the immediate closure of the boarding facilities at Hillside Endarasha Academy. The High Court cited serious concerns about the safety and health of the pupils.  According to the court there were serious concerns regarding the safety and health of pupils in the private school. This ruling comes following a petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), David Karani, and the Elimu Bora Working Group.  The petitioners raised questions about the school's ability to safely accommodate students following a tragic fire in September that resulted in the loss of 21 lives.

 What was Justice Kizito's orders Justice Magare Dennis Kizito Ngwono declared the matter urgent, stating that the best interests of the children were at stake. He issued a conservatory order prohibiting the reopening of the boarding facilities or any accommodation of children within the school's premises until further hearings. "I am satisfied that there is a threat to the safety and health of the minors. Consequently, I direct that a conservatory order is issued forbidding the reopening of the boarding facilities or in any way accommodating the children within the 3rd Respondent's school pending inter partes hearing," he ordered. 

Justice Kizito further directed the respondents to appear for further directions on Thursday, October 17 and must submit health and safety reports, along with assessments of the dormitories' structural integrity, by Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 

by  Didacus Malowa