MP Proposes Task Force to Evaluate School Safety Standards Following Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire

Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule Calls for Urgent Action on School Safety After Deadly Fire

In the wake of a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County, which claimed the lives of 17 pupils, Machakos Town Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Mule has called for the establishment of a task force to inspect schools across Kenya. The task force would be responsible for evaluating the safety standards of school infrastructures, particularly focusing on dormitories, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy broke out in a dormitory that housed over 150 boys aged between 10 and 14 years. The dormitory’s wooden structure, a common architectural feature in the region, allowed the flames to spread rapidly, resulting in catastrophic loss. This tragic incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in schools nationwide.

A Call for Immediate Action

MP Caleb Mule, reacting to the recent fire, emphasized the deterioration of safety standards in schools and stressed the need for immediate action. During a public event in Machakos, he drew parallels between the Hillside tragedy and past incidents, such as the Kyanguli Secondary School fire, which claimed 67 lives in 2001, and another devastating fire in Kakamega.

“Security for our students has deteriorated. In Nyeri, children were burnt in the dormitory. We’ve lost 17 children in Nyeri. A few years ago, we lost students in Kyanguli and others in Kakamega due to dormitory fires,” said MP Mule. “As the MP for Machakos, I propose the establishment of a task force to inspect all schools and assess the security of our students. Dormitories should have windows through which students can escape in case of fire.”

Mule’s proposal aims to prioritize the structural safety of school facilities, particularly dormitories, which he identified as high-risk areas. He stressed the importance of implementing fire safety protocols, including the installation of fire alarms, emergency exits, and escape windows in dormitories. The MP highlighted the vulnerability of students in such incidents, where a lack of proper escape routes has historically led to loss of life.

Learning from Past Tragedies

The MP’s call for a nationwide safety evaluation echoes past warnings that were not adequately heeded. The Kyanguli tragedy, which MP Mule referenced, remains one of the darkest moments in Kenya’s educational history. The fire that swept through the school’s dormitory, taking the lives of 67 boys, was a stark reminder of the critical need for comprehensive fire safety measures in schools.

These incidents point to a recurring pattern of neglect when it comes to student safety. In many cases, schools have been found lacking in basic fire safety protocols, such as functioning smoke detectors, clear emergency exits, and staff trained in fire response. The lack of regulatory enforcement and periodic safety audits has only compounded the issue.

A National Response to Mourning

In response to the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, President William Ruto declared a three-day national mourning period. According to the presidential proclamation, the mourning began on Monday, September 9, and lasted until sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. During this period, the Kenyan and East African Community flags were flown at half-mast across the country, reflecting the national grief over the loss of young lives.

The President’s declaration of national mourning serves as a solemn acknowledgment of the tragedy and a call to action for the government and stakeholders in the education sector. It is a somber reminder that beyond the immediate response, there is a pressing need for systemic changes to protect students.

The Path Forward

MP Caleb Mule’s proposal for a task force is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that school safety becomes a priority. As the nation mourns the loss of the 17 young lives at Hillside Endarasha Academy, the focus must shift to preventing future occurrences through proactive measures. The establishment of the proposed task force could pave the way for a comprehensive review of school safety standards, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and the implementation of robust fire safety measures across all educational institutions.

By learning from past mistakes and taking decisive action now, Kenya can safeguard its students, ensuring that schools are safe havens for learning rather than potential sites of tragedy.