Education stakeholders meet to scale up safety of learners in schools.

By Anthony Mwachiro

School principals have been urged to scale up their communication channels in school to curb cases of strikes among students resulting in burning of school properties.

According to Kilifi County deputy county commissioner in charge of Rabai sub county, Joseph Lengario, despite challenges that might emerge in schools, how they are addressed will determine the reaction of learners.

Speaking to Principals and BoM representatives of Rabai Secondary Schools, Lengario urged school managers to involve all stakeholders in addressing challenges for smooth learning programs in schools.

“Leadership is something that we are learning everyday hence there is a need to involve all the stakeholders. As managers you are experts in that field; however, there is a need for transparency in management as you coordinate with all stakeholders.” He said

However, the administrator challenges school management boards to work closely with school heads in addressing challenges and ensuring schools have a good learning environment.

Lengario assured school leadership of their commitment to ensuring schools provide safe places for children.

“The government is determined to have all schools adhere to the stipulated safety guidelines, and we need a collective effort to make this a success. It’s good for schools to invest in CCTV for safety purposes.” Noted Lengario.

He called on schools with high-rise building to consider construction of escape ladders to be used in case of emergency

Similar sentiments were shared by Rabai Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, Damaris Mbugua who maintained that all schools were subject to inspection on their preparedness in case of emergency.

“We need to have our schools assessed and we work on the recommendation to improve the safety of our children. Grilled window should be replaced for easy escape in case of emergency as well as have all doors opening from outside.” Said Mbugua

Rabai sub county director of education, Dorris Mashaka, noted that safety of learners should touch on all aspects, ranging from health, children rights, as well as considering those living with disability.

Mashaka urged school heads and board of management to consider the welfare of learners in line with the children act of 2021.

“The government has been disbursing infrastructure funds and the funds can be utilized to ensure school buildings adhere to the safety and standards regulations ahead of the January 2025 inspection program.” advised the officer.

Also present was Rabai sub county Teachers’ service Commission director, Daniel Mumo, who stressed on the need to have schools adhere to the available regulations from the ministry.

Adding that, “most fire incidents in schools target the dormitories hence we need to ensure we create a safe environment in case of emergency.”