Gilgil: The continued occurrence of deadly school fires in the country has sparked renewed calls for urgent implementation of strict safety precautions in learning institutions. This follows the night inferno at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left more than 70 others injured.
According to Kenya News Agency, education stakeholders, parents, and residents in Tinderet Sub County said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to all schools to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of learners by fully adhering to government safety regulations and disaster preparedness measures. Education Advocate, Joseph Kiprono, emphasized the need for schools to urgently strengthen fire prevention mechanisms, noting that many institutions still lack adequate firefighting equipment and clear emergency evacuation procedures.
Community Elder, Esther Cherono, called on school administrations to work closely with security agencies and disaster response teams to enhance preparedness in boarding schools. She stressed the importance of reviewing safety standards immediately, ensuring dormitories are not overcrowded, and regularly inspecting all electrical installations to prevent possible fire outbreaks.
The Nandi County Kenya National Parents Association representative, David Sang, urged parents to take an active role in monitoring the welfare and living conditions of their children in schools. He highlighted the necessity of collaboration among parents, teachers, and school boards to maintain safe learning environments for children.
A Public Benefit Organizations activist, Julius Keter, appealed to the Ministry of Education to intensify routine inspections of schools and take stern action against institutions that fail to comply with safety requirements. He pointed out that some schools ignore safety recommendations due to irregular inspections, underscoring the need for strict enforcement to protect students’ lives.
Area residents also advocated for strengthening guidance and counseling departments in schools, suggesting that mental health support and proper student engagement could help reduce cases of unrest and suspected arson incidents. Youth Leader Samuel Kimeli highlighted the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and emergency response infrastructure, urging school managers to treat safety with the seriousness it deserves.
The residents further called on the government to allocate more funds towards improving safety infrastructure in public schools, particularly in boarding institutions in rural areas. The Gilgil tragedy has revived painful memories of previous school fire disasters in the country, prompting renewed pressure on education authorities to fully implement past recommendations aimed at safeguarding learners.
