Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy over failing to ensure compliance with school safety regulations following the deadly dormitory fire that claimed 16 students’ lives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the CS said the board failed to enforce the school safety manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
He added that the Teachers Service Commission is taking immediate disciplinary action against the school principal for negligence in ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Preliminary investigations indicate the fire was an act of arson. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are currently questioning eight students identified as persons of interest as investigations continue into the planning and execution of the incident.
The CS said those found culpable will face charges in accordance with the law.
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Investigators also established that two teachers had been alerted by a section of Form Four students about the planned attack but failed to take appropriate preventive action.
The Ministry said the teachers will face disciplinary proceedings for negligence.
The CS further stated that investigations will examine possible negligence by officers from the Ministry of Education and the TSC, warning that appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against any officials found to have failed in their duties.
The tragic fire left at least 16 students dead and 79 others injured. Of the injured students, 71 were treated and discharged, while seven remained admitted to hospital as of Thursday afternoon.
By Obegi Malack
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