Nambale MP calls for safety reforms in schools to tame fire outbreaks

By Antynet Ford

Nambale Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mulanya has called for urgent school safety reforms through the Ministry of Education.

According to the lawmaker, the Ministry of Education should prioritize schools’ safety compliance by ensuring strict adherence to measures.

Nambale MP Mulanya told the Ministry of Education who issued compliance certificates to private boarding schools to be held accountable for the mess being incurred from the recent rampant fire incidences.

The legislature claimed some schools collude with the Defense Quality and Standardisation Office (DQSO) to get certificates without meeting the set standards.

“We must hold all who issue compliance certificates to schools accountable in case of any tragedies in schools. Some private schools collude with DQSO to get certificates without meeting standards.” Nambale MP Mulanya said.

He outlined safety measures such as standards for building materials, classroom sizes, window dimensions, ventilation, and the number of students allowed in a given space.

“We compromise everything in our schools right from the construction of classrooms. Some MPs follow up with contractors during CDF tenders and demand kickbacks,” he said.

The appeal comes after the Hillside Endarasha Academy, in Kieni, Nyeri County, fire that claimed 21 lives and left 12 pupils injured on Thursday night.

Read also:- 17 pupils killed by fire at Hillside Academy, Nyeri

Residents of the Nambale constituency condoled with parents of Hillside Academy who lost their loved ones.

His sentiment also comes amid national calls for the government to amalgamate all bursaries under one kitty to help mitigate corruption and ensure learners from humble backgrounds are not disadvantaged.