Gospel artist Reuben Kigame has proposed the abolition of boarding schools in Kenya, arguing that the country should fully embrace day learning as part of wider education reforms aimed at improving child safety and reducing pressure on learners.

Speaking in a statement shared on his X account on Friday, May 29, 2026, Kigame said both the national and county governments should prioritise building enough schools within communities so that children can attend classes near their homes and return to their families every evening.

“As a teacher and parent, I propose we not only make education in Kenya free from kindergarten to undergraduate, but we should also abolish boarding schools altogether,” Kagame stated.

He argued that the country should invest heavily in accessible neighbourhood schools to reduce congestion and risks associated with boarding institutions.

“Both the national government and county governments must invest in building schools so that every child can walk to the nearest school in the morning and come back in the afternoon,” he added.

Kigame further proposed changes to school schedules, suggesting that early learning classes should run between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, while secondary schools should close by 4:00 pm.

Fresh school fires raise alarm

His remarks come amid renewed debate on safety standards in Kenyan schools following a fire outbreak at Gacharage Secondary School in Murang’a County on Thursday night.

The incident occurred just hours after the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which left 16 students dead and dozens injured.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that emergency teams responded swiftly to the Gacharage fire and all learners were safely evacuated without casualties.

Authorities said investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Debate grows over boarding school safety

The Utumishi tragedy has intensified public concern over safety conditions in boarding schools, with education stakeholders now calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and improved emergency preparedness.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the Utumishi fire broke out at around 12:45 am in one of the dormitories, rapidly spreading and causing extensive destruction.

The latest incidents have now sparked wider national conversations on whether Kenya’s boarding school model remains sustainable amid recurring dormitory fires and growing concerns over student welfare and supervision.