Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika./HANDOUT
The deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students has sparked fresh calls for a national conversation on student discipline, parenting and the future of boarding schools.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika says the tragedy should prompt parents, schools and policymakers to reflect on the values being instilled in young people and the measures in place to keep learners safe.
Speaking on the incident, Kihika described the fire as a disturbing reflection of what she termed a growing discipline crisis among the youth and challenged parents to take a more active role in raising their children.
“There is a serious issue of discipline. Kids burning a dormitory knowing that their colleagues are asleep. As parents, we must look at ourselves in the mirror. Are we looking at the parenting of our children?” she posed.
The governor linked the tragedy to what she sees as a broader culture in which destructive behaviour is increasingly tolerated in society.
“We have had protests before which have ended up in burning shops and destroying property. We don’t condemn these acts; instead, we cheer them on. As a society, parents must take responsibility,” she said.
Her remarks come a day after nine learners were arraigned in court in connection with the dormitory fire as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Kihika said those ultimately found responsible for the incident should face the full force of the law.
Beyond questions of discipline, the governor challenged school administrators to strengthen safety systems in learning institutions to help prevent similar tragedies.
She called for continuous monitoring of security cameras, especially during the night, and urged schools to install fire detection equipment in dormitories.
“To the schools, the available CCTV cameras must be manned at all times. Let there be someone constantly monitoring activities, especially at night. Secondly, those rooms should have smoke detectors, and school administrations must be responsive whenever there is a problem and take immediate action,” she said.
Kihika also used the tragedy to renew calls for a nationwide debate on the role of boarding schools in Kenya's education system.
“It’s about time we have a national discussion on boarding schools. Would it be more helpful if parents spent more time with their children than just sending them to boarding schools? Let us invest in day schools,” she said.
The Utumishi Girls Academy fire has reignited concerns about student safety, school discipline and emergency preparedness, with investigations into the cause of the blaze still ongoing.
