The government has indicated it may consider merging some day secondary schools as part of wider efforts to address declining student enrolment in several regions across the country. Education officials say the move is being explored in response to persistently low admission numbers in many public day schools, a trend that has raised concerns about the efficient use of resources, staffing, and infrastructure. According to the government, maintaining schools with very small student populations has become increasingly costly and difficult to sustain.
Sources within the Ministry of Education note that merging neighbouring day secondary schools could help pool learners, teachers, and facilities, ultimately improving the quality of education while reducing operational expenses. The proposal would see affected schools consolidated into single institutions, with learners transferred to nearby campuses where capacity allows. The government has stressed that no final decision has been made and that any mergers would be guided by consultations with key stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school boards, and county education officials. Authorities say the process would aim to minimise disruption to learners while ensuring access to quality education is maintained.
Low enrolment in day secondary schools has been attributed to several factors, including a growing preference for boarding schools, demographic shifts in some areas, and economic pressures that have led families to relocate. In some rural and peri-urban regions, schools have reported enrolment levels too low to justify full staffing and funding allocations.
Education experts argue that while school mergers may be practical, the government must carefully assess the impact on learners, especially those who may have to travel longer distances. They have also called for complementary measures such as improving school infrastructure, enhancing learning outcomes, and addressing social factors that influence school choice. As discussions continue, the government says its priority remains ensuring equitable access to education while making the school system more efficient and sustainable in the long term.
