Others argue that such footage can be useful in identifying alleged arsonists. I will not delve into the debate of who supports what or who does not; my focus in this article is SAFETY. What truly protects our children in schools and prevents loss of life?
Our Priorities Are Upside Down
Our priorities as a country are completely upside down.
Instead of installing fire/smoke alarm systems for safety, we're busy installing CCTV cams in dormitories to monitor students as they change clothes 😢
This, honestly, sounds more like surveillance than safety.
Yes, CCTV footage may help in the prosecution of alleged arsonists, but it will not bring back the 16 dead children.
Safety Should Come First in Schools
My advice to all schools: do not install CCTV inside dormitories. Instead, prioritize fire and smoke alarm systems.
I'm for safety first.
Had there been fire/smoke alarm systems kwa hizo dorm, then wasichana wetu would have been alerted in time. Ata wale wako kwa usingizi nono wangeamshwa by the alarms ama ata na wenzao.
Early evacuation saves lives compared to situations where chaos, smoke, and choking have already taken over.
Boarding Schools Should Be Closed Until Safety Is Guaranteed
The best Madaraka Day action the government especially the Ministry of Education can take is to close all boarding schools in Kenya immediately until basic fire safety inspections are done.
No dormitory should reopen without:
Fire detectors installed everywhere
Working alarm systems
Clear and accessible emergency exits
Functional fire extinguishers
A verified public safety compliance certificate
Hii kitu ya kuchugulia maisha ya watoto wetu hivi hivi ikome na ikome kabisa. “Our prayers and thoughts, Rest in peace” messages will not end this cycle of tragedy.
Children are sleeping in what are effectively death traps while government, Ministry of Education officials and teachers, behave like they are on leave.
A Painful Pattern We Keep Repeating
This is not new. It happened in Kyanguli, then Hillside Endarasha Academy, and now Utumishi Girls.
Where next? I do not have an answer to that question. But I believe the solution lies in real preparedness and a serious commitment to protecting children in boarding schools, especially at night when such tragedies strike.
Unfortunately, we are known to forget very fast and have a very short memory when it comes to issues that demand our voices.
Kenyans 🙏🏾
Let's not wait until another fire happens.
Safety is not optional. It is urgent. It is necessary. It is life-saving.
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