Former Migori County Woman Representative, Dr. Pamela Odhiambo, has called for urgent measures to enhance the safety and the security of students in boarding schools after recent spates of arson attacks.
Speaking at Wasio Primary School in Suna East Sub County during the launch of the Sh72 million M-Pesa Foundation school infrastructure project, Dr. Odhiambo urged parents, teachers, school management boards, and government agencies to work together towards safeguarding the security of learners in the country
She expressed concern over recent fire outbreaks in learning institutions, citing the tragic incident at Utumishi Girls School in the Rift Valley region that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
“We are currently mourning with our fellow parents who lost their children at Utumishi Girls due to a fire outbreak. Such incidents remind us that the safety of our children must remain our highest priority,” she said.
The former legislator observed that disagreements among Boards of Management (BOMs), Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs), teachers, and students often contribute to tensions that can create negative intentions towards schools and compromise security.
She called on all stakeholders to strengthen safety measures within school compounds and encouraged parents to take a more active role in protecting learning institutions.
“Wasio community members, whether your child is in this school or not, kindly help us keeping these children safe. The same responsibility extends to parents and communities around all schools,” said Dr. Odhiambo.
She further proposed that the national government should initiate comprehensive discussions and implement stronger policies to guarantee the safety and welfare of students in boarding schools.
Dr. Odhiambo also commended the M-Pesa Foundation for investing in the construction and equipping of modern learning facilities at Wasio Primary School, noting that the project would significantly improve educational opportunities for learners in Migori County.
She said it had always been her dream to see schools in Migori attain standards comparable to some of Kenya’s top-performing institutions.
“When I was serving as the Woman Representative, a student from Suna East tragically took her own life after failing to attain the marks required to join Alliance Girls High School. I have long desired to see our schools reach the same standards as Alliance so that our children can achieve their dreams without feeling disadvantaged,” she said.
Dr. Odhiambo added that quality educational infrastructure and improved learning environments would help nurture talent and inspire academic excellence among learners in the county.
At the same time, Dr. Odhiambo, who has also declared her intention to seek an elective position in the forthcoming General Election, criticized the growing cases of political intolerance and chaos involving some youths and women during political activities.
She urged political leaders and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and maintain civility during the election period.
“Leaders should focus on presenting their development agendas instead of engaging in personal attacks. The leadership of Migori County must promote peace and unity even as we compete politically,” she said.
Dr. Odhiambo emphasized that peaceful coexistence among political leaders and residents would be critical in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, while safeguarding development gains made within the county.
by Sharon Kidiga
