NAIROBI, Kenya – Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has clarified that learners in day public and private schools should not be required to report to school before 7:15 a.m., citing the Basic Education Regulations, 2015.
Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, August 19, Ogamba said the regulations set 7:15 a.m. as the earliest permissible reporting time for learners in day institutions of basic education and training.
He stressed, however, that the reporting time should not be confused with the official start of classroom instruction.
“Regulation 84, subsection 2 of the Basic Education Regulations 2015 stipulates that no day institution of basic education and training shall require learners to report earlier than 7:15 a.m.,” Ogamba said.
“The earliest permissible reporting time is 7:15 a.m., while the prescribed class hours commence from 8 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.”
Classes start at 8 am
According to the regulations cited by the CS, official class hours for public and private basic education institutions run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Schools may conduct co-curricular activities after classroom instruction, with the prescribed period running from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Ogamba said Regulation 84 establishes the official operating hours for both public and private institutions, distinguishing between when learners may report and when formal learning should take place.
The clarification comes amid concerns over school schedules, particularly cases where learners are expected to arrive unusually early or remain in school late.
Questions around extended school hours have also raised concerns about learner welfare, supervision and safety, particularly for children who travel long distances between home and school.
Schools responsible for learner safety
Ogamba also drew attention to provisions placing responsibility for learner safety and security on school management.
Under Regulation 81 of the Basic Education Regulations, matters relating to safety, security and hygiene in basic education institutions fall under the responsibility of the Board of Management.
Regulation 82 further requires Boards of Management to take reasonable measures to safeguard learners while they are within school premises and when they are outside the institution while travelling on school-related activities.
The provisions therefore extend schools’ safety responsibilities beyond the classroom and school compound to movements connected to official school activities.
Safety standards cover child protection
Ogamba said the Basic Education Regulations are complemented by the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya, 2008, which provides guidelines for creating safe and secure learning environments.
The manual covers school grounds and physical security, infrastructure, health and hygiene, teaching and learning environments, child protection and prevention of abuse.
It also provides guidance on transportation and road safety, disaster preparedness and response, school-community relations, as well as monitoring and evaluation of safety standards.
The framework requires schools to take learner safety into account when planning and implementing their programmes.
Measures to prevent SGBV
The Education CS also highlighted provisions aimed at preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in schools.
The Safety Standards Manual provides guidance on identifying signs of abuse among learners and requires suspected cases to be reported to relevant authorities.
Schools are also expected to establish safety structures that identify potential risks, monitor safety conditions, coordinate with relevant stakeholders and ensure corrective measures are taken where necessary.
Institutions are required to regularly review child safety concerns within and around their premises and keep records of safety incidents and corrective action.
The Basic Education Regulations, 2015 also provide for guidance and counselling services to support learner welfare.
Such services can help schools identify problems at an early stage and facilitate appropriate support or referrals for learners affected by abuse, violence, insecurity or other challenges.
Parents have a role in learner safety
Ogamba’s clarification also places learner protection within a broader responsibility involving parents, guardians and communities.
The safety standards call for cooperation between schools, parents and guardians, local communities, government agencies and local authorities when addressing risks affecting children.
Particular emphasis is placed on the safety of learners travelling between home and school.
The regulations therefore provide a framework that requires schools not only to observe prescribed operating hours but also to ensure adequate safeguards for learners during the periods when they are under the institution’s care.
The 7:15 a.m. clarification gives schools, parents and learners a clear benchmark on the earliest time day-school learners should be required to report, while the 8 a.m. start of class hours defines when formal instruction should begin.
