The Ministry of Education (MoE) has kicked off countrywide inspection of all public and private schools to assess their levels of compliance with the guidelines of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya.
In a statement made on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba said that the crackdown will be conducted jointly with relevant agencies to ensure schools comply with the safety measures put in place.
“The first phase of this inspection, which started this week, will cover all boarding primary and junior schools in the country, while the second phase of the inspection exercise will cover secondary schools,” he said.
Ogamba asserted that the inspections will involve officials from the ministries of Education, Interior and National Administration, Health and Department of Public Works who will work hand in hand with officers from county governments and the Kenya Red Cross.
“The inspection will also provide an opportunity for the government to unearth reasons behind the recent spate of school fires that have been reported in a few schools in the country, and make appropriate recommendations to remedy the situation,” the CS said.
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Ogamba urged schools to step up their preparations for the national Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and KCSE examinations.
“We wish to assure the country that the Ministry will continue to support schools to remain safe and conducive spaces for quality and effective learning,” he assured.
His announcement comes barely a week after the fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy which claimed the lives of 21 learners, leading to an uproar towards the government seeking assurance for students’ safety in learning institutions.
By Vostine Ratemo
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