Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu now wants the government to deploy trained safety officers across all schools in the country.
According to Nyamu, having safety officials in schools will increase preparedness for any emergencies and therefore significantly reduce risks.
She said the officers should be staff deployed by the Ministry of Education because many schools have no resources to address safety risks, especially in rural and marginalised areas.
“Many schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas lack the necessary resources and expertise to manage the safety risks effectively, which exposes students and staff to potential harm."
“These trained safety officers will oversee safety protocols, provide first aid, conduct safety drills, ensure fire preparedness, manage emergency evacuation and assist in addressing violence or other threats within school environment,” Nyamu said at the Senate on Wednesday.
She insisted that it is critical to have these officers because of the recent increase in cases of insecurity, violence and accidents in schools across the country.
The nominated senator said this is among other safety challenges that may arise in schools.
Through the Senate, she wants the government, in addition to deploying these officers, to implement comprehensive safety training protocols, including first aid, emergency response, and violence management.
“Provide necessary resources and support to schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas, to effectively deploy and utilise these safety officers,” Nyamu said.
“Safety within schools is a fundamental right of every student, teacher, and other worker, and that safety is critical in improving the overall quality of education.”
She insisted that schools play a crucial role in shaping the future of our children and providing a safe environment for learning.
Her remarks come in the week of resentful school fires and strikes across the country.
These incidences have seen schools lose property worth millions of shillings.
Several students and pupils have also lost lives in these fires. Authorities are still probing the causes of these incidents.
