The government has raised concern over the safety of boarding school dormitories across the country, warning that failure to comply with established safety regulations continues to put the lives of learners at risk.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei called on school principals, Boards of Management (BOMs), Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs), county directors of education and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officials to strictly enforce safety standards issued by the Ministry of Education.
Koskei said many schools continue to operate dormitories that do not meet prescribed safety standards, exposing learners to unnecessary risks.
Speaking in Nandi on Sunday, the Chief of Staff noted that many schools are yet to fully implement safety guidelines despite repeated directives from education authorities.
“I want to urge all principals of schools, especially boarding schools, to adhere to the safety regulations released by the Ministry of Education,” Koskei said.
“We are having challenges across the country because the designs of our dormitories and the safety infrastructure are not up to standard. Issues of congestion and facilities that are not configured in line with the regulations continue to pose a challenge.”
The Head of Public Service emphasised that school administrators must take responsibility for ensuring learning institutions comply with the ministry's requirements on accommodation, emergency preparedness and student welfare.
He challenged education stakeholders to conduct regular inspections and familiarize themselves with the safety regulations to ensure every institution complies.
“I want all principals, directors of education, TSC officials and leaders, including BOMs and PTAs, to inspect schools and understand what the safety regulations require. If every school follows the Ministry of Education guidelines, we shall avoid situations where our children die or suffer because of preventable incidents,” he said.
His remarks come amid the recent fire tragedy at Utumishi girls’ school where 16 students lost their lives.
Education authorities have previously issued guidelines covering dormitory design, occupancy levels, emergency exits, firefighting equipment and regular safety audits. However, implementation has remained uneven across some institutions.
Koskei's warning signals renewed government focus on student safety and could trigger fresh inspections of boarding facilities nationwide.
The government maintains that compliance with safety regulations is critical in protecting learners and preventing avoidable tragedies in schools.
“We can save lives if we all play our part and ensure schools meet the required standards,” Koskei said, urging education stakeholders to place student safety above all other considerations.
