The ACK Diocese of Kitale has sent condolences to the families and friends who lost their children in the tragic Hillside Endarasha Academy fire in Nyeri.
Speaking to the press in Kitale, the church’s Board of Education Chairperson Dr. Francis Thande Mwaura expressed his sadness over the passing on of the 21 children.
Dr. Mwaura said that as a church and education stakeholder, they received the news with great sorrow and wished a speedy recovery to the 46 pupils who got injured.
“As the ACK Diocese of Kitale and education administrators, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the fire incident that occurred at Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County. May God grant them strength,” said Dr. Mwaura.
The ACK Kitale board criticized the Ministry of Education’s decision to ban visits to schools during third term, terming the move as a significant mistake as this period was crucial for students to receive visits, particularly from church leaders, to offer them guidance and alleviate any fears.
He regretted that students who experience the fires develop trauma which eventually leads to anxiety.
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The Chairperson called on the Ministry to first put in place adequate strategies and resources to ensure schools have sufficient facilities, including dormitories instead of imposing such bans
“The Ministry of Education should not wait until a disaster occurs before addressing the issue. They should ensure that schools have adequate resources and before allowing a school to be a boarding school, confirm that whether private or public, it is well-equipped with proper dormitories and facilities to handle any emergencies.” Dr. Mwaura concluded.
By Osborne Benn
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