On a visit to the country's coastal region, George Magoha said teachers caught beating students would be dealt with according to the law.

His comments come days after a student in the area was beaten for eating five chapatis.

The beating left the male student with injuries to his kidney and genitals and he was admitted to hospital.

The school's headteacher and another teacher were arrested.

Education officials in the region closed the school after an inspection showed it was not registered and had hygiene issues.

Minister Magoha has said schools that have compliance issues will be closed and students admitted to neighbouring schools.