The chairperson of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Omboko Milemba, has called for the gradual abolition of boarding schools in Kenya following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that left 16 students dead.
Speaking on Friday, May 29, Milemba said the country should consider shifting learners to day schools, arguing that parents would be in a better position to monitor their children’s welfare and development while reducing risks associated with overcrowded boarding facilities.
According to the KUPPET chairman, many boarding schools continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and safety concerns, exposing learners to unnecessary dangers.
“The Education CS must now be brave and make the bold decision of abolishing boarding schools in Kenya. We can have our children go to day schools, the same as in other countries,” Milemba said.
“It is not a must that our children stay in schools,” he added.
His remarks come as the country continues to mourn the deaths of 16 students following the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy earlier this week.
The incident has sparked fresh debate over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, with concerns being raised about dormitory congestion and emergency preparedness.
After some preliminary investigations, the Education CS, Julius Ogamba, issued an instruction for the immediate dissolving of the school’s Board of Management due to some negligence allegations.
Ogamba also directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to commence disciplinary measures against the school principal. The two teachers suspected of having something to do with the case will soon be disciplined.
The CS in Education explained that the investigations have revealed that there were many safety breaches at the institution such as over-crowded dormitories and the locking of the exit door even when there was no fire emergency.
Further investigations have revealed that two teachers had been informed of a planned disruption by the students of Form Three but they failed to act until the fire broke out.
The government has also stated that investigations are still ongoing in order to see whether there could have been any officers from both the Ministry of Education and the TSC who might have breached their duties.
Ogamba reiterated that all those proven guilty of the crime will be held accountable according to the law.
On the other hand, the DCI has eight suspects who are currently being interrogated as investigations continue.
This tragic event has brought back the need to enforce safety regulations in schools, and the debate on the boarding school system in Kenya and whether it is the most appropriate one is still very much alive.