Safety Crisis in Kenyan Schools as Fire Breaks Out at Ortum Boys

Recent incidents of fires in Kenyan schools have raised significant concerns about student safety.

On Monday, Ortum Boys High School experienced a fire that engulfed multiple dormitories, forcing students to evacuate hastily. This event marks the fourth such occurrence in less than a week. The blaze at Ortum Boys High School, which began around 9:00 am, spread rapidly through the dormitory complex. Students, identifiable by their black trousers and grey sweaters, were seen fleeing the dense smoke and attempting to salvage their belongings. While the cause remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical fault. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.

This incident follows a series of similar events that have disrupted learning and caused tragedy. Most notably, a fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy resulted in 21 fatalities sparking intense debate about school safety measures. Additional fires at Isiolo Girls High School and Njia Boys High School have further emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue. In response to these events, education officials are calling for comprehensive inspections and enhanced safety protocols. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has proposed eliminating primary boarding schools to mitigate such risks. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has announced plans to review and strengthen safety standards across all schools.

The fires have not only disrupted education but have also ignited discussions about improving school infrastructure, construction standards, and safety equipment. Parents and guardians are expressing growing concern over their children's safety, urging schools to bolster their emergency response strategies. On the same day as the Ortum Boys High School fire, Bukhalalire Secondary School in Busia County also experienced a blaze, though fortunately without injuries. While the Ministry of Education has previously issued guidelines for fire safety preparedness, including the provision of firefighting equipment and proper emergency exits, the recent fires suggest a need for more rigorous implementation and oversight of these measures.

In the aftermath of these incidents, efforts are underway to provide temporary accommodations and counselling services to displaced students. The Ministry of Education's upcoming review of safety standards is expected to include a comprehensive assessment of current fire safety protocols and the implementation of new preventative measures.