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TikToker Gadwilliam Kiragu defends push to end boarding schools, says system is broken
02nd June, 2026 12:00 AM
TikToker Gadwilliam Kiragu has defended his position on ending boarding schools, arguing that the current system is broken and should be replaced with a better education model.
He made the remarks while responding to concerns that some students depend on boarding schools because their homes are not suitable for studying.
Kiragu acknowledged that not all children come from supportive home environments. He explained on Monday, June 1, 2026, that he understands why some people believe boarding schools offer a better option for learners facing challenges at home.
“Someone commented, and this is a great point (that some homes are not conducive to studying, and some students actually prefer boarding school over going home), I respect that,” Gadwilliam Kiragu said.
He explained that his argument is not based on the belief that every child has a perfect home. Instead, he said his concern is that the education system has failed to provide better alternatives for learners across the country.
“But here is my response. My argument was never that every child has a perfect home. My argument is that the system is broken,” Gadwilliam Kiragu said.
According to Kiragu, improving schools in all counties would provide students with the support they need without relying heavily on boarding facilities. He said investments in education infrastructure could help create a safer and more effective learning environment.
Proposal for better schools
Kiragu suggested that schools should have proper libraries, facilities, and support systems. He also pointed to after-school study programmes as one way of helping learners who need a structured environment for their studies.
“If we build quality schools in every county, with proper libraries, proper facilities, proper support, including maybe after-school study programmes for children who need that environment, then we solve the problem without locking children in dormitories where they can burn to death,” Gadwilliam Kiragu said.
He maintained that changing the current approach would address existing concerns while still supporting students who require additional academic help. He argued that improving the quality of schools should be the priority.
“The solution is not to keep a broken system and make it flexible. The solution is to build a better one entirely, sijui kaa mnanipata?” Gadwilliam Kiragu said.
Kiragu maintained that long-term improvements in school facilities and support systems would provide a better solution than continuing with a system he believes is no longer working effectively.
