Primary School that Begun in 1993 Shuts Down Ahead of KCPE Exams, Terms Tough Economy
A private primary school in Nairobi has announced its closure, just days before the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) is scheduled to commence. Eastend Junior Academy, the school in question, has issued a notice to parents and guardians, informing them of the decision to permanently shut down.
The notice attributes the closure to an unsupportive business environment within the country. It further explains that the challenging business conditions have placed immense pressure on the school’s directors, and due to their age, they have opted for retirement and decided to close the school the following year.
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As per the notice, the directors, both of whom are over 70 years old, expressed their gratitude to the school’s supporters for their assistance over the years.
The school, established in 1993, conducted its first KCPE in 2000.
This closure announcement coincides with the approaching KCPE, scheduled to commence on October 30.
The directors have assured parents that the school’s office will remain open to offer any necessary assistance.
Reflecting on the school’s brighter days, the notice also mentioned, “Since its inception, the Directors have dedicated their time and resources to shape it into what it has become today.”
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According to statistics from the Economic Survey of 2023, more than 7,000 private schools have permanently closed during the past four years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2022, approximately 967 private schools ceased operations, and those still in operation had to raise school fees to ensure their survival.
During the height of the pandemic, the government had announced a stimulus package to aid private schools in repaying loans. However, the stimulus funds did not materialize, leading some schools to seek assistance from commercial banks with stringent lending terms.
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Primary School that Begun in 1993 Shuts Down Ahead of KCPE Exams, Terms Tough Economy
