NEP Girls High School suspends boarding after fire

The NEP Girls High School board of management has temporarily closed the institution's boarding wing after a fire razed down a dormitory on Sunday.

The board suspended the boarding wing because 80 per cent of the boarders could operate from home. They will temporarily become day scholars.

The decision was among recommendations made after a crisis meeting.

“The boarding wing is to be closed since a majority of the girls live within Garissa town. They attend classes during the day and go home for the remaining part of the day,” the recommendation read in part.

“Closing the school and resumption within the three weeks was not possible because the girls had just resumed from the half-term break.”

The board said the girls might need the freedom to go home hence the burning of the dormitory.

They resolved that Form One and Two will close on Friday, December 3 while Form Three and Four on December 20

The board will meet again to discuss the January re-opening dates 

The Ministry of Public Works has been asked to come up with costs of damaged properties.

Parents will bear the cost when schools reopen in January.

Garissa subcounty security committee led by deputy county commissioner Bernard Ole Kipury toured the institution to assess the burnt dormitory.

Ole Kipury said at least 10 people among them students and non-teaching staff are being investigated.

“A multi-agency team has been formed to help nab the perpetrators. We are determined to ensure that those behind the crime are prosecuted,” Ole Kipury said.

Last week, Northeastern regional commissioner Nicodemus Ndalana warned those destroying school or college properties.

He spoke at Garissa High School when he had gone to assess the fire damage in one of the dormitories.

He said investigations are ongoing and those involved will be prosecuted. 

“This will serve as an example to others,” Ndalana said.

PCEA moderator Reverend Patrick Mutahi said the unrest in schools was a true reflection of how rotten society has become.

He spoke in Madogo, Tana River county.

“The children copy society. It's a pity that we thrive in lawlessness. Our children will not be disciplined,” Mutahi said.

He said it all comes down to parents as children learn by example.

Proper upbringing, he said, involves moulding the child in a religious environment by using God's word that keeps one grounded.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris