Schools must enhance security surveillance to tame deadly fires

A dormitory which was razed at Ebunagwe Boys High School in Emuhaya, Vihiga county, on May 30, 2023. [File, Standard] 

Over the years, Kenya has grappled with numerous cases of deadly school fires, while government-imposed safety measures for learners are frequently ignored.

The tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy has once again underscored the urgent need for learning institutions to prioritise fire safety and security measures, especially now that schools are closing for holidays.

In 1998, 26 schoolgirls lost their lives in a fire at Bombolulu Girls School in Kwale County.

In 2001, 67 boys died at Kyanguli School, Machakos County. In 2012, eight pupils died at Asumbi Girls Primary School in Homa Bay County.

In 2018, 10 girls died at Moi Girls School, Nairobi, and in 2021, 63 girls at Buruburu Girls School were hospitalised in Nairobi.

Peter Mwangi, a security expert and chief executive at Guardnow Security Group, says there is a need to learn from these key incidents in the past.

“These incidents tragically resulted in the loss of several lives and exposed significant shortcomings in school fire safety protocols,” he says.

For instance, multiple incidents in 2016 revealed a pattern of neglected fire safety standards.

Eric Obwaka, a security expert at Computer Doctors, says that key issues included inadequate fire alarm systems, poor emergency response plans, and lack of proper evacuation drills. “Schools have for years ignored implementing security measures such as the installation of smoke detectors, security cameras, and alarms. If schools took security matters as seriously as they take other issues, no lives would be lost,” he says.

Obwaka says there’s a need for intelligent CCTV cameras and alarms to be installed in dormitories, as these would help in monitoring dormitories at a centralised security control unit.

Many schools have outdated fire alarm systems, insufficient training for staff, and a lack of coordination with local emergency services.

These issues call for a reassessment of current safety measures and highlight the need for regular updates to fire safety protocols.

According to Mwangi, implementing effective security measures and upgrading fire alarm systems is fundamental. “Modern, reliable fire alarm systems are crucial. Schools should invest in state-of-the-art alarm systems that include both audible alarms and visual indicators,” he says.

The systems should be regularly tested and maintained to ensure they function correctly.

In this regard, it is important to work with fire response units in county governments and professional security entities with emergency alarm response services. Schools need to develop and regularly update emergency response plans.

These plans should include clear evacuation procedures, designated assembly points, and roles for staff and students during an emergency.

Conducting regular drills can help ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities and can act swiftly if a fire occurs.

Engaging professional security firms can also provide schools with expert guidance on security protocols.

These companies can assist in conducting thorough risk assessments, developing tailored safety plans, and providing continuous training for staff. Their expertise can be invaluable in creating a secure environment and responding effectively to emergencies.

Regular training for staff and students on fire safety and emergency procedures is essential.

This includes educating them on the use of fire extinguishers, understanding alarm signals, and practising evacuation drills. Ensuring that everyone is prepared can significantly reduce the risk of injury during an incident.

Finally, regular safety audits and maintenance checks are vital. Schools should schedule periodic reviews of their fire safety equipment and infrastructure to address any potential issues before they become critical.

This proactive approach can help identify and rectify problems that might compromise safety.

Patrick Osoi, a former National Intelligence Service (NIS) official and special operations soldier, says that by learning from past incidents and implementing fire safety protocols, schools can create safer environments for students and staff.

“The government should improve safety standards in our schools and communities so that our children are always protected,” he said.

The fire at Hillside Academy serves as a sombre reminder of the importance of robust security measures in educational institutions.

Upgrading alarm systems, developing detailed emergency plans, hiring professional security services, and ensuring regular training and maintenance are essential steps toward achieving this goal.

Despite these recurring trends, many schools are yet to implement high standards of safety measures as directed by the government.

The government has also, in recent years, outlined proposals on safety training to be adopted in schools as part of their curriculum, but some institutions are yet to implement them.