Ministry of Education Begins Mandatory School Inspections as CS Ogamba Issues Directive.
The Ministry of Education has begun nationwide inspections of all public and private schools to assess their compliance with safety regulations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has emphasised the need to ensure compliance with established safety protocols.
CS Julius Ogamba, in a press release on Wednesday, explained that the inspections would focus on enforcing adherence to the Safety Standards Manual.
A multi-agency team, comprising representatives from the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Health, will conduct these checks.
Additionally, officials from the Department of Public Works, County Governments, and the Kenya Red Cross will participate in the exercise.
Addressing Recent School Fires
Ogamba announced that these inspections are aimed at identifying the root causes behind the recent increase in school fires reported throughout the country.
The inspection process involves collaboration between officials from several government bodies, including the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Health, as well as the Department of Public Works.
Additionally, officers from county governments and the Kenya Red Cross are participating in the initiative.
The Ministry has enforced several policies to ensure that both public and private boarding schools comply with safety standards that aim to create a secure environment for learners.
Among these policies is the key document, the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya. Schools have been encouraged to intensify their efforts to improve student safety according to these guidelines.
Ogamba stressed that the government seeks to make informed recommendations to address the situation, especially in cases where new interventions are needed beyond addressing indiscipline, which had been a common issue in past years.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The CS warned that any Ministry of Education officials, school administrators, or managers who violate the safety guidelines will face strict consequences.
According to the Education CS, the first phase of the inspection focuses on boarding primary and junior secondary schools. The second phase will target secondary schools.
Ogamba highlighted the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, where 21 students lost their lives, as a stark reminder of the importance of school safety enforcement.
The recent surge in school fire incidents, including a case at John Mbadi Secondary School in Homa Bay County, underscores the urgency of these inspections.
Government’s Commitment to School Safety
The Education Ministry reassured the public of its continued commitment to maintaining safe, conducive environments for learning across all schools.
Ogamba emphasized that the Ministry would remain vigilant in supporting schools to uphold safety standards for quality education.
Ministry of Education Begins Mandatory School Inspections as CS Ogamba Issues Directive.
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