A recent dormitory fire at Eor-Ekule Mixed Senior School has heightened concerns over safety in learning institutions and prompted education stakeholders in Narok County to strengthen emergency preparedness measures.
The incident, which destroyed a boys’ dormitory and students’ belongings, occurred amid a broader wave of student unrest affecting several schools in the county.
Addressing school heads and education stakeholders at Narok Boys High School, County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia said investigations into the fire were nearing completion.
“Out of the affected schools, we have not witnessed widespread destruction of property. We only had one incident in Narok East where a dormitory at Eor-Ekule Mixed Senior School was burnt, and investigations are underway to establish the cause,” said Lotiatia.
He added that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Police Service were finalizing investigations and would release their findings soon.
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In response to the incident and other cases of unrest, stakeholders recommended that schools strengthen emergency response systems by conducting regular fire drills and establishing clearly marked assembly points.
Lotiatia said approximately 15 schools had experienced different forms of unrest in recent weeks, though most incidents resulted in minimal property damage.
The county commissioner assured residents that education and security agencies were working together to restore calm and safeguard learners.
County Director of Education Apollo Apuko said recommendations from the consultative forum would inform broader policy discussions at the national level.
“I assure all stakeholders that the issues discussed today and the recommendations made will be tabled before the national committee once they are fully compiled,” said Apuko.
Stakeholders said the focus going forward would be on prevention, student welfare, school safety and strengthening communication channels to ensure disputes are resolved before escalating into unrest.
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