The ongoing investigation into the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has taken a new twist as activists Hanifa Adan and content creator Lydia Wanjiru have raised concerns over the presence of CCTV cameras inside girls’ student dormitories.
Their interventions are among other Kenyans who have ignited national concerns about privacy, safety and accountability in Kenyan boarding schools.
Speaking to the media, Hanifa has accused authorities of ignoring the dignity of learners stating, “…why are there CCTV cameras inside the dormitory. Mwache kujifanya hamuelewi.”
Questioning the surveillance cameras were installed in spaces that meant to be private, she warned that such measures risk violating the rights of young girls.
Wanjiru has also have echoed her concern, pointing out, “But why there’s a CCTV in the dormitory though? And clearly the students don’t know it’s there because the culprits would have hidden better!”
With 16 lives claimed by the fire incident at the schools, Kenyans have sparked discussions on safety protocols and infrastructure in boarding schools insisting surveillance cameras must respect privacy of individuals, while others argue the cameras could help prevent incidents if implemented responsibly.
The Ministry of Education is now under pressure to clarify its policies, establish guidelines and reassure parents about safety measures for the school learners.
As the investigation continues, boarding schools have been put on the forefront to provide proper protection of children without infringing on their rights and the public is demanding for accountability, as safety and privacy remain at the forefront of Kenya’s education discourse.
