Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi has called for an urgent nationwide audit of safety standards in schools following the deadly fire at Utumishi Academy, warning that recurring tragedies in learning institutions expose systemic failures in the enforcement of learner protection regulations.
Murungi, who conveyed his condolences to families affected by the tragedy, said all school safety laws and policies must be implemented without exception to prevent further loss of life.
“I send my condolences to the parents of Utumishi Academy. This is the crucial and right time that all laws and policies aimed at protecting and safeguarding learners in schools must be implemented to the letter,” he said.
The Utumishi Academy fire, which claimed the lives of 16 girls and left more than 70 others injured, is the latest in a series of school disasters that have raised concerns about learner safety. Murungi cited the 1991 St Kizito Secondary School tragedy in Meru, where 19 girls were killed and scores sexually assaulted, as one of the country’s darkest moments in education history.
He also pointed to recent fires at Meru School, Igoji Boarding Primary School, Njia Boys High School and St Peter’s Nkuene Boys High School, which destroyed dormitories and property, highlighting persistent gaps in emergency preparedness and response systems.
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According to Murungi, school safety manuals provide clear guidelines on dormitory construction, including bed spacing, emergency corridors, door specifications and window designs to facilitate rapid evacuation during emergencies.
“I have personally seen manuals being circulated showing how dormitories should be built, the spacing of beds against available corridors and strict adherence to how doors and windows should be constructed for easier opening and closing. There should be no grilled windows, but many schools still have them,” he said.
He stressed that dormitory doors must remain easily accessible at all times to support swift evacuation and rescue efforts.
Drawing from his visits to schools across Meru County, Murungi said many institutions have failed to fully comply with safety standards, often citing security concerns as justification.
“I have gone around Meru County and many schools have fallen short in implementing these measures, often citing security concerns,” he said.
The Deputy Senate Speaker urged the Ministry of Education to deploy quality assurance officers across the country to inspect schools and enforce compliance with safety regulations.
He further proposed that every sub-county be assigned at least one fire and rescue paramedic equipped with a government vehicle or motorcycle to conduct routine safety inspections and emergency preparedness assessments.
Murungi also called on schools, particularly boarding institutions, to employ matrons to strengthen supervision and enhance learner welfare.
As part of his oversight role, he announced plans to establish a team of retired educationists to conduct a comprehensive audit of safety standards in schools across Meru County. The team will assess learner safety conditions and prepare a report to be tabled in the Senate and shared with residents within two months.
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“I will sacrifice to conduct oversight not only of county institutions but also national government institutions operating within Meru County,” he said.
Murungi faulted weak enforcement of regulations by school Boards of Management and local communities, saying their failure to uphold safety standards continues to expose learners to avoidable risks.
“Once a tragedy occurs, leaders and victims start blaming the Education Cabinet Secretary, whereas the mantle lies with the failure of Boards of Management and the community itself to ensure these standards are followed,” he said.
He said the recurring incidents should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders, stressing that learner safety requires collective responsibility from school managers, parents, communities and government agencies.
By John Majau
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