A heated online discussion has emerged after public figure Lillian Nganga shared her views on Instagram reels, questioning the practice of boarding schools for young children.

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In her post, she expressed the opinion that children below the age of 13 should remain with their parents and grow within their home and community environments rather than being separated for schooling.
She further described boarding schools as part of what she sees as a “mzungu concept” that, in her view, has contributed to emotional disconnection, loneliness, and mental health challenges among children.

Nganga argued that education should remain holistic and rooted in daily life, rather than placing children in controlled institutional settings where peer influence often outweighs parental guidance.
She also stated that in boarding schools, teachers mainly focus on instruction and discipline, leaving children to be largely shaped by their peers.

According to her, this creates a gap in emotional bonding and real-life grounding during formative years.
Lillian Nganga //Instagram

Personal Reflections and Contradictions

Nganga also reflected on her own experience, saying she attended boarding school in primary school.

While she acknowledged that Catholic sisters were present and involved, she noted that the emotional distance from her parents and community was still significant, and something she had to “play catch-up” with later in life.
She also shared that life circumstances once forced her to take her firstborn child to boarding school after losing her husband and relocating abroad for work.


She admitted it was not an ideal decision but said it led to positive behavioural change in her child, who became more responsible. However, she added that she later regretted the emotional distance it created.
Nganga further explained that she is now faced with another dilemma involving her younger son, citing personal concerns such as lifestyle habits and responsibility levels, which have influenced a reluctant decision to consider boarding school again.
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“Outsourced Parenting” Label Gains Traction

The post attracted strong reactions from social media users, with many agreeing that early boarding amounts to “outsourced parenting,” where raising children is delegated to institutions.

Others argued that while boarding schools are not ideal, they remain necessary for some families due to work demands, financial constraints, or lack of alternative childcare options.

One commenter stated that paying school fees does not equate to parenting, while another described boarding schools as environments where children are forced into early emotional independence.

Others shared personal experiences of boarding life, with some describing emotional detachment from parents and even feeling less affected by family loss due to long periods of separation.

                                                        Lillian Nganga //Instagram

Social Media Reactions to Boarding School Debate

The post sparked mixed reactions, with users sharing personal experiences and strong opinions about boarding schools for young children.
  • “I agree 💯. Let’s call it what it is: outsourced parenting. Paying fees is not parenting. Providing uniforms is not parenting.”
  • “I, who went to boarding school in Class 4, am not allowing my little one in such a hostile environment. Wacha aende akifika sec school.”
  • “Boarding schools are not a good idea, but some parents have no choice because of work or financial pressure.”
  • “I went to boarding school, and I had no connection with my parents. When my dad died, I wasn’t deeply affected because we weren’t close.”
  • “I schooled in boarding, and I came to hate it later. It was survival of the fittest.”
  • “Boarding damaged me. I would never advocate for separating a child from their parents unless necessary.”
  • “I think generally children shouldn’t be separated from their parents. This is a Western concept that creates loneliness and emotional disconnect.”
  • “I agree with her. Primary boarding schools are not necessary. Let children stay home and be raised by their parents.”
  • “Some parents have no option, though. Jobs require travel, and they can’t manage full-time care.”