Regulations On Curbing Fire In Schools Is Not Negotiable – President Ruto
President William Ruto has said compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in schools is not negotiable.
This comes at a time when the country is experiencing unrest due to fire tragedies that have so far taken place in several schools across the country.
On Friday last week, the country was shocked to learn of a fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri that claimed the lives of 21 children.
Three other learners at the Isiolo Girls High School sustained injuries after a fire ran through dormitories at the school on Saturday, sparking protests from locals.
Regulations On Curbing Fire In Schools Is Not Negotiable – President Ruto
Other schools where fire has been reported are Njia Boys High School, Uhuru Secondary School, Bukhalalire Secondary School in Busia County, and Ortum Boys in West Pokot County.
The cause of the blaze in the schools is still unknown, but there have been numerous fires in boarding schools in Kenya in recent years, prompting national concern about safety standards.
In a meeting that was held on Monday with leaders from the Interior and Education ministries, President Ruto directed the stakeholders to ensures compliance of the regulations to curb fires and ensure safety of learners in learning institutions.
“This is the only insurance we have to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in schools,” he said.
The report by the office of the Auditor-General shows how boarding schools are ill-prepared to handle fires.
According to the Auditor-General, there is inadequate infrastructure, limited training on fire safety preparedness, and insufficient guidance and counselling in schools.
Regulations On Curbing Fire In Schools Is Not Negotiable – President Ruto
A report that sampled 42 schools dotted in five counties, revealed that the majority of schools do not have the equipment to handle a fire incident with schools required to have sufficient fire extinguishers, fire alarms and fire blankets.
The Auditor-General further noted that the majority of schools lack mandatory evacuation maps at every entrance.
All 42 sampled schools did not have evacuation maps flouting the set protocol.
