The Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) has urged the government to enhance safety measures in schools following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil on Thursday.
Speaking to the press in Kisii town, KUDHEIHA Kisii Branch Secretary Thomas Mireri (pictured) decried the state of most boarding facilities in the county, saying they did not meet the required safety standards.
“Most of the schools were converted from sub-county schools to boarding schools and the infrastructure, especially the dormitories, does not meet the required safety standards set by the Education Ministry,” noted Mireri.
He called upon the Boards of Management to prioritize the welfare and safety of learners by employing qualified resident matrons to supervise students at night and respond promptly to emergencies.
The Secretary noted some of the schools lacked matrons and the students’ dormitories were locked at night, leaving the learners at risk during emergency situations.
As a result, Mireri urged the government to allocate adequate funds to schools so that safety personnel are remunerated as per the labour laws and conduct their duties in accordance with the Education Ministry’s safety regulations.
The union official emphasized that student safety must remain a top priority in all learning institutions.
He condoled with the families who lost 16 children at Utumishi and urged the relevant authorities to ensure those responsible for the tragedy are held accountable.
“We wish the students recuperating in hospitals quick recovery and appeal to the government to provide guidance and counselling support for the parents who lost their young ones,” added Mireri.
By Mercy Osongo and Malachi Omwenga
