By Andanje Wakhungu
Stringent measures are being put in place in schools within Matete Sub-county of Kakamega County to curb the rising cases of insecurity.
The sub-county director of education Mr.Tom Oluoch has directed that schools within his Sub-county should install alarm systems and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in a bid to enhance surveillance in institutions after rampant cases of theft and murder hit the area.
Last term a security guard at Kivaywa High School was killed after unknown assailants broke into the school and made away with a Television set. That was followed by another tragic break-in that saw three watchmen killed on the spot with the fourth succumbing to injuries later on the same day where a cache of electronic devices and cash was stolen.
The director said those incidence triggered concerns for both learners and staff residing inside the school, hence the need for all institutions improving their surveillance systems.
“Security has been an issue and many of our schools are being broken into for theft of items but with fatal cases of murder of security guards before making away with electronics,” he said.
The Ministry of Education had put in place measures to curb such incidences after cases of school fires became rampant and made it a necessity for each institution to put up proper security measures including the installation of hidden cameras.
Olouch stated that those schools who could not in the meantime afford the cameras because of cost should start by installing a proper alarm system that can alert the school management, security and even locals of any eventualities of intrusion within the school.
“We know that some schools may not quickly afford to procure and install the cameras but at least let them put up an alarm system and a concrete perimeter fence as starting measures and also employ qualified company security personnel whom their employer will be held culpable in case of theft and burglary at the schools unlike local community individuals who have no security training at all and whom many of them turn out to be accomplices in such cases when they occur.” He added.
The director also pointed out that some students were involved in theft in schools where they steal mattresses, basins, sheets, blankets and shoes that would later be exchanged with drug supplies and alcohol from local brewers.
He warned that the 300metres radius rule that does not allow bars and local brew dens within the schools will begin to be enforced and that he has already engaged the local administration to take charge.
At the same time he warned those security guards who were colluding with outsiders to break into schools to desist as their days were being numbered.
