By Alfred Kimosop
Services of watchmen in schools in Baringo County will soon be rendered irrelevant once a raft of measures to curb disasters are implemented.
In a new circular from the county director’s office, watchmen in schools will be replaced by trained security guards as was decided in a security meetings held recently with head teachers.
County Director of Education Baringo Willie Machocho told Education News in an exclusive interview that security of students remains pertinent.
He said the new safety manual targets to stop schools from engaging watchmen as one way to upscale security of students in schools.
Machocho noted that that the new measures are in tandem with Claire Omolo Report 2016 with recommendations that seek to uncover disquiet in schools.
Head teachers according to the proposals arrived at the meeting will require principals and matrons to reside in the school compound.
Students trusted by school administration will form part of intelligence committee suggested by the principal.
‘‘ This committee will help inform the administration of possible impending unrests in schools .The promptings in schools will help them solve issues amicably and jointly with school Boards of Management,’’ said Machocho.
All schools will also be required to hold frequent ‘’Kamkunji’’ with the students in order to establish a good rapport.
It will be mandatory, however, for all schools to put suggestion boxes strategically where students will put down in writing their grievances for schools to act upon the complaints.
According to the report, Sub County education officials will form part of team in cases where crime is involved to assist them guide them on discipline procedure in schools.
The Board of Management will only be required to make recommendations for disciplinary action on such cases.
