Kenya’s Boarding School Fires: A Call for Improved Safety Standards to Protect Students.
Recent tragic events in Kenya have reignited concerns over the safety standards in boarding schools, where fires have claimed lives and caused injuries. Over the weekend, at least three students were injured after a fire broke out at Isiolo Girls High School, a boarding school in central Kenya’s Isiolo town. The Kenya Red Cross reported that the injured students received psychological first aid after suffering minor injuries. The fire destroyed dormitories before it was contained, leaving many students and parents shaken.
This incident follows the devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, also in central Kenya, where at least 21 children lost their lives. The blaze occurred late on Thursday night, destroying dormitories and leaving 17 children unaccounted for. DNA testing is set to begin on Monday to identify the deceased students, while some parents and relatives continue to camp at the school grounds, demanding answers and accountability. President William Ruto has declared three days of national mourning starting Monday to honor the victims of this tragedy.
A Recurring Problem in Kenya’s Schools
The recent fires have brought back painful memories of past incidents, including a 2022 dormitory fire in western Kenya and a 2017 arson attack at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi that claimed 10 lives. The deadliest school arson in Kenya occurred over two decades ago in Machakos County, southeast of Nairobi, where 67 students perished.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, emphasized the need to determine whether negligence or recklessness contributed to the latest tragedy. The repeated occurrence of fires in Kenyan boarding schools suggests systemic issues with safety compliance and protocols. Many of these incidents have pointed to failures in enforcing safety standards, inadequate emergency preparedness, and a lack of proper safety equipment, such as functional fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and accessible exits.
The Need for Comprehensive Measures to Enhance Safety
To prevent such tragedies from recurring, the government must take a multi-faceted approach:
1. Regular Safety Audits: Schools should undergo regular safety audits by independent bodies to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. These audits should assess the availability and functionality of fire-fighting equipment, clear emergency exits, and conduct fire drills to prepare students and staff for emergencies.
2. Stricter Enforcement and Accountability: Authorities should enforce stricter regulations on building safety and hold school management accountable for any lapses. The recent call by the chief prosecutor to investigate the cause of the recent fires is a step in the right direction. Investigations must lead to actionable outcomes, including penalties for those found negligent.
3. Improved Infrastructure: Many boarding schools in Kenya, especially in rural areas, suffer from inadequate infrastructure. The government should allocate funds for upgrading school facilities to ensure they are fire-proof, have proper electrical wiring, and include sufficient emergency exits and smoke detectors.
4. Training and Awareness Programs: Teachers, students, and non-teaching staff should be regularly trained on fire prevention measures and emergency response. Such training can be crucial in saving lives during emergencies. Additionally, fire drills should be conducted at least once a term to ensure everyone knows their roles in case of a fire.
5. Involvement of Parents and Guardians: Parents must be involved in discussions about safety protocols and should advocate for the highest safety standards in schools. Schools could set up committees that include parents to help oversee and promote safety measures.
6. Psychosocial Support: Incidents of fire can leave deep emotional scars on students and staff. The government, in partnership with organizations such as the Red Cross, should ensure ongoing psychosocial support for affected students and families.
Conclusion
The fires at Isiolo Girls High School and Hillside Endarasha Academy are stark reminders of the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms in Kenya’s boarding schools. The government, school administrations, parents, and the wider community must collaborate to ensure these institutions become safe havens for students. Only through concerted efforts can Kenya prevent such heartbreaking tragedies and guarantee the safety and well-being of its future generations.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
