Religious leaders in Homa Bay County have voiced strong criticism of the government for its inadequate enforcement of safety regulations in boarding schools, in the wake of the devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri.
Bishop Abrahams Wanda Odongo, Chairman of the local clergy, led the outcry, condemning the government’s repeated failure to act on recommendations from multiple task forces formed to address school fire safety.
Despite various investigations over the years, the clergy argue that the necessary measures to prevent such tragedies have not been effectively implemented.
The recent fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in significant damage and loss of life, has intensified calls for immediate action.
The religious leaders are urging the government to adhere to past recommendations and ensure that School Safety Measures are not only established but enforced rigorously.
Bishop Odongo and his colleagues have called for compensation for the families affected by the Hillside fire, stressing that this should be a priority while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
They argue that the safety of students remains at risk due to the lack of stringent adherence to existing guidelines, such as the 2008 Ministry of Education safety manual, which outlines essential standards for school infrastructure.
The clergy’s concerns center on the repeated failure of reports and task forces to ensure compliance with safety protocols, as evidenced by the ongoing occurrences of fire incidents in schools.
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They are calling for a proactive approach from the government to enforce School Safety Measures consistently and to hold accountable those responsible for lapses in safety standards.
As the investigation into the Hillside fire unfolds, the religious leaders emphasize the need for a comprehensive review and implementation of School Safety Measures to protect students across the country and prevent future tragedies.