Ministry begins mandatory safety inspection of schools

The Ministry of Education has initiated mandatory inspections of all public and private schools nationwide to assess their compliance with safety standards.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the inspections aim to uncover the causes of the recent spate of school fires reported across the country.

"It has, therefore, become necessary for the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to conduct an urgent nationwide inspection of all public and private basic learning institutions to evaluate their adherence to the guidelines outlined in the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya," CS Ogamba said.

Ogamba further noted that the recent fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which claimed the lives of 21 students, has highlighted the urgent need to enforce school safety guidelines more strictly.

The inspection will involve officials from the Ministries of Education, Interior, Health, and the Department of Public Works. Officers from county governments and the Kenya Red Cross will also participate.

The Education CS explained that the first phase, currently underway, focuses on boarding primary and junior secondary schools. The second phase will cover secondary schools.

The Ministry has implemented policies to ensure that all public and private boarding schools adhere to safety standards that provide a secure learning environment.

One key policy document is the safety standards manual for schools in Kenya.

Schools have been urged to step up efforts to enhance learner safety as outlined in the guidelines.

"Firm and decisive action will be taken against Ministry of Education officials, school administrators, and managers found to have violated the safety standards manual," Ogamba added.

The inspections come amid ongoing school fires across the country.