Boarding schools in Kenya have long been a symbol of academic success and holistic development, but the increasing frequency of fire incidents in these institutions is raising serious concerns about the safety of students.
The recurring theme of school fires, especially in Term 3, which is typically a high-stakes period as students prepare for national exams, has drawn the attention of the public, school administrations, and government agencies alike.
Tragedies like those witnessed at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, Isiolo Girls High School in Isiolo, and Ortum Boys High School in West Pokot, among others, underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure the safety of students in these institutions.
Over the past decade, dozens of boarding schools have experienced fire outbreaks, often leading to the destruction of property, disruption of academic programs, and in the worst cases, loss of life. The Kyanguli Secondary School fire tragedy in 2001, which claimed the lives of 67 students, remains etched in the memory of many. Sadly, it appears that the country has not learned from such catastrophes, as similar incidents continue to occur.
Among the recent cases, the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy stands out. The Nyeri-based school was engulfed in flames, leading to panic among students and parents. While no lives were lost, the damage was substantial, raising questions about the preparedness of schools to handle such emergencies.
At Isiolo Girls High School, another fire broke out, leaving students stranded and parents worried about the safety of their children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but such incidents have become all too common, with electrical faults, student unrest, and negligence often cited as the main culprits.
Njia Boys High School in Meru also experienced a fire that ravaged a dormitory, displacing hundreds of students and leaving them with no place to sleep. The fire not only destroyed property but also created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the students.
Uhuru Secondary School and Bukhalalire Secondary School in Busia County were not spared either. Both schools saw significant damage from fires, disrupting learning and affecting the emotional well-being of students. The recurrence of these fires during Term 3, a time when students are most stressed due to upcoming national exams, has led many to speculate whether some of these incidents are deliberate attempts to avoid the pressure of exams.
The increasing number of school fires has drawn attention to the role of school management and the government in ensuring the safety of students. While the Ministry of Education has issued guidelines on fire safety, including the installation of fire extinguishers, regular fire drills, and the construction of fireproof dormitories, compliance has been inconsistent.
At Ortum Boys in West Pokot County, reports indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the lack of adequate firefighting equipment and poorly designed escape routes. In such cases, it is clear that the school administration had failed to prioritize student safety, and the consequences were dire.
The government, through the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Bureau of Standards, has also mandated that schools install fire alarms and use certified building materials that can withstand fire. However, these directives are often ignored due to financial constraints, corruption, or sheer negligence. The lack of enforcement mechanisms means that many schools operate in conditions that are unsafe for students.
Additionally, fire safety audits, which are supposed to be conducted regularly, are rarely enforced. Schools like Isiolo Boys High School and Fr. Makewa High School in Machakos have been found lacking in terms of safety measures. The failure to comply with fire safety regulations not only endangers students but also undermines public confidence in the education system.
Beyond the physical damage caused by these fires, the psychological toll on students cannot be ignored. For students at Katoloni Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary School in Machakos County, the trauma of losing their belongings, the fear of another fire and the uncertainty about their future can have long-lasting effects. Boarding schools are meant to provide a safe environment for students to focus on their studies, but when safety becomes a concern, it hinders academic performance and overall well-being.
Parents, too, are left grappling with fear every time they send their children back to boarding school. The recent fire at Bukhalalire Secondary School left many parents questioning whether boarding schools are still a safe option for their children. The emotional strain on families is immense, as they worry about the possibility of receiving tragic news about their children.
The question of whether our children are safe in boarding schools is complex. While school fires have multiple causes – ranging from poor infrastructure and electrical faults to student unrest—the frequency of these incidents suggests that not enough is being done to address the underlying issues. Boarding schools, which house students for months at a time, should be a haven where students can thrive academically and socially. However, the current situation paints a picture of negligence and a lack of preparedness.
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To ensure the safety of students, both the government and school administrations must work together to implement strict safety protocols. Fire drills, regular inspections, and strict adherence to building codes should not be optional but mandatory. Additionally, schools must invest in modern firefighting equipment and train staff and students on how to respond to emergencies effectively.
Moreover, addressing the root causes of student unrest, such as exam pressure and poor living conditions, could go a long way in preventing deliberate fire outbreaks. Creating an environment where students feel supported and safe is key to preventing these tragedies from recurring.
In conclusion, the safety of students in boarding schools is a matter of urgent concern. Until all stakeholders—government, school administrations, and parents—take collective responsibility to prioritize safety, the threat of school fires will continue to loom large over the education sector. Only then can we confidently say that our children are safe.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
The writer teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North sub-county. He is the author of “Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in Schools”.
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