• Form one students were the first ones to be released from the school.
• The administration held consultative meetings and decided to allow them to leave in phases.
Jamhuri High School students have finally been allowed to go home after Sunday's fire incident. https://bit.ly/3wNUqWy
Image: ERIC KOKONYA
Jamhuri High School students have finally been allowed to go home after Sunday's fire incident.
Form one students were the first ones to be released from the school.
The administration held consultative meetings and decided to allow them to leave in phases.
Speaking to the star, KUPPET Secretary-General Nairobi Branch Moses Mbora said the damage incurred from the fire incident was severe and it will take some time for the school board to agree on the cost.
"Yes a meeting was held today and the students have been allowed to go home until further notice," he said.
"The fire razed the dormitory which houses 300 students where the beds were completely burnt among other items."
In addition, the SG said that the school board will sit and agree on the date the students will be allowed to back to school and will be communicated later.
Day scholars who reported to school this morning were asked to go back home.
Parents who had earlier lamented not being allowed to see their children claimed the administration has failed to assure them of the state of their children.
"Why are they not allowing us to see our children since yesterday night? We are worried as parents," one parent said.
The parents who had camped at the school compound promised not to leave the premises until their children are released from school.
A member from the school administration clarified that the students were earlier being questioned over the fire before being released.
The parents have also faulted the administration for going to the extent of having police lob teargas at them Sunday night
Some of the parents also claimed students had shown signs of unrest two weeks ago but the administration ignored it.
They claimed some students were sent home for school fees to ease the tension.
Almost five public secondary schools witnessed fire incidences across the country last week.
They include Maranda High, Kakamega High, Mwala Girls, Nyamira Boys and Nambale High.
Senators last week summoned Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha to discuss the wave of fires in schools.
In a question submitted to Parliament, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana wanted investigations to be conducted to determine the cause of the arson attacks.
Katana further urged Education CS George Magoha to explain the compensation policy for razed structures.
Edited by D Tarus