Kisii: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, KUDHEIHA Kisii Branch Secretary Thomas Mireri expressed concerns about the safety standards of boarding facilities in the county during a press conference in Kisii town. He highlighted that many of these facilities fail to meet the safety standards set by the Education Ministry, as they were originally sub-county schools converted into boarding schools without the necessary infrastructure upgrades.
Mireri called on the Boards of Management to prioritize student welfare by employing qualified resident matrons to supervise dormitories at night and respond promptly to emergencies. He pointed out that the absence of matrons and the practice of locking dormitories at night pose significant risks to student safety during emergencies.
He further urged the government to provide adequate funding to ensure that safety personnel are properly remunerated and adhere to the Education Ministry’s safety regulations. The union official stressed the importance of maintaining student safety as a top priority in all learning institutions.
Expressing his condolences to the families who lost 16 children in the Utumishi tragedy, Mireri called for accountability from those responsible. He also wished a speedy recovery for the students in hospitals and appealed for government support in providing guidance and counseling to the bereaved families.
