Lilian Ng’ang’a Calls for Ban on Boarding Schools for Young Primary Pupils
Former Machakos First Lady Lilian Ng’ang’a has proposed that Kenya should do away with all boarding schools for primary school children.
She believes children younger than 13 years old need to remain at home with their parents so they can have regular daily contact and guidance. According to her, this early stage of life is crucial for building strong family bonds, and separating young learners from their families can affect their emotional growth and sense of security. Ng’ang’a made the remarks recently while speaking on the importance of parental involvement in a child’s early education.
Ng’ang’a argued that primary school years should be spent living at home where parents can closely monitor their children’s progress, offer immediate support, and teach important life values on a daily basis. She pointed out that young children are not yet mature enough to handle life away from family, and boarding arrangements at this age may expose them to unnecessary challenges without adequate parental oversight. In her view, the practice of sending primary pupils to boarding schools takes away precious time for interaction that helps shape a child’s character and confidence during their formative years.
The activist suggested that boarding school should only begin at the secondary school level, when students are older, more independent, and better able to take care of themselves. By that stage, she believes teenagers have developed enough maturity to benefit from the structure and discipline that boarding environments can provide. This position has sparked conversations among parents, teachers, and education experts about the right balance between family life and formal schooling for young Kenyans.
Ng’ang’a’s comments have drawn attention to broader issues in the education system, including concerns over child safety, emotional well-being, and the role of parents in early development. While some may support the idea of keeping younger children closer to home, others argue that well-managed boarding primary schools can offer quality education and opportunities, especially for families living far from good day schools. As the debate continues, her call serves as a reminder for policymakers to consider the developmental needs of children when reviewing school policies in Kenya.
