After the Endarasha Tragedy: Rethinking Disaster Preparedness in Kenya’s Schools.
Following a devastating fire that took the lives of 21 students, the Nyeri High Court intervened to safeguard the welfare of children at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
The court prohibited the reopening of the school’s boarding facilities due to unresolved safety and health concerns, highlighting deficiencies in Kenya’s school safety protocols.
The petitioners, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), David Karani, and the Elimu Bora Working Group, argued that the school was hastily reopened without implementing critical safety measures, exposing a broader crisis within the educational system.
The tragedy at Hillside Academy has served not only as a heartbreaking event but also as a clear indication of systemic failures in ensuring student safety.
The court responded by issuing a conservatory order to keep the boarding section closed until the submission of comprehensive safety and structural integrity reports.
The legal proceedings have emphasized deeper flaws in Kenya’s educational safety standards and disaster preparedness measures.
Underlying Safety and Structural Concerns
The Hillside Academy fire is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of widespread issues, such as poor adherence to safety regulations, inadequate disaster management strategies, and a lack of mental health support for survivors.
Before the High Court, petitioners asserted that the academy was not prepared to resume operations, stressing that the decision to reopen the boarding facility was premature.
The court treated the matter as urgent, mandating that the school provide detailed health, safety, and structural reports prior to reopening.
This legal stance highlights the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations, particularly in schools where the protection of young lives is at stake.
Kenya’s fire safety laws, such as the Fire Risk Reduction Rules of 2007, require annual fire drills. However, the incident at Hillside Academy revealed a significant disconnect between these legal obligations and their practical implementation.
Safety expert James Oloo pointed out that many schools lack the necessary knowledge to operate basic fire safety equipment like extinguishers and hose reels, reflecting a critical gap in emergency preparedness.
Oloo recommended a shift from mere regulatory compliance to fostering a culture of safety and readiness, which would require coordinated efforts from the government, school administrators, and the broader community.
Failures in Fire Safety Preparedness
Fire safety at Hillside Academy was grossly inadequate, with emergency exits that were either blocked or non-existent and a complete absence of fire safety equipment.
Oloo explained that hazards, such as the lack of proper fire safety measures, can lead to disastrous outcomes if not addressed.
At Hillside, the hazardous situation escalated into a full-scale tragedy due to the absence of emergency protocols, resulting in the death of 21 children who fell victim to a system that failed to protect them.
Government efforts following the tragedy included providing food aid to affected families, a gesture that critics argued did not tackle the root cause of the disaster.
Professor Herman Manyora criticized the government for offering immediate relief, such as food donations, while ignoring deeper issues like inadequate disaster preparedness and substandard safety management in schools.
He suggested that the government should focus on conducting safety audits across the country’s schools and ensuring the implementation of fire safety measures instead of providing temporary fixes.
Mental Health and Trauma Considerations
While immediate relief efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of grieving families, the long-term psychological impacts of the tragedy have largely been overlooked.
Nyamisa Chelagat, a psychologist, emphasized the need for mental health support to be a key component of disaster recovery. She shared the story of a young survivor who was hesitant to return to boarding school, reflecting the deep trauma experienced by those affected.
Chelagat advocated for incorporating ongoing counseling into disaster response, as survivors may face prolonged issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Hillside Academy incident serves as a call to action for Kenya to adopt international best practices in disaster preparedness.
Lessons can be drawn from countries like Japan, where regular safety drills and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are integral to crisis management.
ALSO READ: Desperate Plea as 4-Year-Old Learner Disappears From School in Kisii.
Kenya could implement similar practices by introducing routine safety drills and establishing community response teams to bolster local resilience.
Additionally, investing in advanced early warning systems, as used in Japan for earthquakes and other natural disasters, could greatly improve Kenya’s response capabilities, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Strengthening building codes and ensuring that educational institutions meet minimum safety standards are crucial steps in preventing future tragedies. Moreover, improving emergency communication systems in remote areas would facilitate timely responses during crises.
Addressing Broader Systemic Issues After the Endarasha Tragedy
The government’s response to the Hillside Academy fire has predominantly been reactive, providing short-term relief rather than addressing the underlying causes of the tragedy.
There is a need for a proactive approach that involves investing in comprehensive disaster preparedness programs, upgrading school infrastructure, and integrating mental health support into recovery efforts.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenya’s children requires a shift from symbolic gestures to implementing systemic reforms.
During the most recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle in 2022, Kenya received specific recommendations to enhance child safety and accountability.
The government’s efforts have begun to include vetting schools to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
ALSO READ: How the Selection Panel for Teacher Recruitment is Structured.
However, the tragedy at Hillside Academy serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for reform. Kenya must prioritize the safety of its children and take significant steps to ensure that schools are secure environments conducive to learning, rather than potential sites of disaster.
Conclusion
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a turning point that underscores the urgent need for a safer, more resilient future for all children in Kenya.
By learning from this tragedy and implementing long-term solutions, the country can prevent similar incidents and transform its schools into safe havens for education.
After the Endarasha Tragedy: Rethinking Disaster Preparedness in Kenya’s Schools
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].
