Endarasha Fire: A Wake-Up Call on School Safety Protocols in Kenya

The tragic fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy has once again brought to the forefront the urgent issue of safety in Kenya’s boarding schools. The incident has ignited discussions among various stakeholders, with renewed attention on reports highlighting the precarious state of many educational institutions across the country.

A recent report published in April 2024 by the non-profit organization Usawa Agenda underscores the alarming situation, revealing that nearly half of the boarding schools in Kenya are not adhering to established safety guidelines. This non-compliance, particularly with bed spacing requirements in dormitories, poses significant risks to students in the event of emergencies such as fires.

Safety Gaps and Inadequate Compliance

The 2020 audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor General had already painted a grim picture of school safety, recommending a minimum bed spacing of 1.2 meters in dormitories to enhance evacuation speed and reduce the risk of injury during emergencies. However, Usawa Agenda’s findings indicate that a mere 40.5% of boarding schools have implemented this recommendation. The lack of adherence to these safety protocols has turned many dormitories into potential death traps.

Sub-county schools have been identified as the most egregious violators, with only 24% complying with the recommended bed spacing. In contrast, county schools have a compliance rate of 74%, and national schools, which often have better funding and resources, show the highest compliance at 96%. The disparities in adherence reflect broader inequalities in resource allocation and prioritization of student safety across different levels of schooling.

Firefighting Equipment and Assembly Points: A Critical Gap

Another critical issue highlighted in the report is the lack of functional firefighting equipment and designated fire assembly points in many schools. Although about 70% of secondary schools have some form of firefighting equipment, there is still a significant gap in ensuring that all institutions are fully equipped to handle fire emergencies. Sub-county schools lag behind once again, with only 59% having operational firefighting equipment.

The absence of designated fire assembly points is another major concern. In the event of an emergency, clear and accessible assembly points are crucial for ensuring the safe evacuation of students and staff. However, the report notes that many schools have not established such areas, further endangering the lives of students.

Ministry of Education’s Response and Future Actions

In response to these alarming findings, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has taken a firm stance, vowing to implement stringent measures against non-compliant schools. Speaking on the issue, CS Migos stated, “We cannot continue having this year after year. With the recommendations in place, we are willing to move these recommendations to regulations and have penalties.” This marks a significant shift in the Ministry’s approach, signaling a move towards enforcing compliance through legally binding regulations rather than relying on voluntary adherence.

The Ministry of Education is now proposing to adopt the recommendations of the 2020 Auditor General’s report as formal regulations, which would include specific penalties for schools that fail to meet the safety standards. This proposal aims to create a more robust framework for holding school administrators accountable for the safety of their students.

A Call for Immediate Action

The recent fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy and the findings from the Usawa Agenda report serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols in Kenya’s boarding schools. With nearly half of the institutions lacking proper safety measures, the risk to students remains unacceptably high. As the Ministry of Education moves to enforce stricter regulations, it is imperative that school administrators take immediate action to address these gaps and prioritize the safety of their learners.

Ensuring compliance with safety standards should not be seen as a mere formality but as a critical responsibility. The lives and well-being of students depend on it, and it is high time that all stakeholders in the education sector commit to making schools safer environments for learning and growth.