Crackdown on Rogue Boarding Schools Launched to Ensure Student Safety.
The Ministry of Education has officially started a crackdown on rogue boarding schools that fail to follow safety regulations. This action follows a tragic incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, where a dormitory fire claimed the lives of 21 students. The government has now mandated inspections of all boarding schools across the country to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent further tragedies.
In response to growing concerns about school safety, the Ministry of Education has ordered all boarding schools in Kenya to undergo a thorough inspection. This nationwide inspection will assess whether schools adhere to safety regulations, a measure deemed crucial after recent incidents. Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, emphasized that both primary and secondary schools will be subject to these inspections, which aim to evaluate their adherence to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya.
Officials from the Ministries of Education, Interior and National Administration, Health, Public Works, and County Governments, alongside representatives from the Kenya Red Cross, will participate in the inspection process. The goal is to ensure that schools meet the necessary guidelines to safeguard students, with a particular focus on preventing fires and other potential hazards.
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Despite the existence of safety regulations, the government acknowledges that enforcement has been inconsistent over the years. Ogamba admitted that while most schools comply with the Safety Standards Manual, some have failed to meet the required standards. This has resulted in devastating consequences, such as the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
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In addition to the inspections, the Ministry of Education is investigating the recent surge of school fires to uncover underlying causes. Education officials have warned that strict measures will be taken against any school administrators, managers, or ministry officials found to have neglected safety regulations. The tragic loss of 21 students at Hillside Endarasha Academy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of strict safety enforcement. Out of the 21 fatalities, 19 students died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. DNA tests are currently being conducted to identify the victims.
Alongside these safety inspections, schools are preparing for the upcoming national exams, including the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). As the academic year progresses, the Ministry of Education aims to create a secure and conducive environment for students to focus on their studies without fear.
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Cabinet Secretary Ogamba reassured parents and the public that the government remains committed to supporting schools in maintaining safe learning environments. He stressed that the Ministry would continue working to ensure that schools meet the required safety standards, thus preventing future tragedies.
The Ministry of Education’s crackdown on rogue boarding schools marks a crucial step toward ensuring student safety across the country. By enforcing strict compliance with the Safety Standards Manual and investigating the causes behind school fires, the government aims to prevent future tragedies. With mandatory inspections in place and a focus on safety, both students and parents can be reassured that their well-being remains a top priority.
Crackdown on Rogue Boarding Schools Launched to Ensure Student Safety
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