Ensuring School Safety: Reflections on the Tragic Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire

The tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy which claimed the lives of 21 children, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving parents, teachers, and the community grappling with profound grief and urgent questions.

This heartbreaking incident has not only devastated families but also raised serious concerns about the safety measures in schools across the country.

As parents, we entrust schools with the safety and wellbeing of our children. Schools are meant to be safe spaces, environments where young minds can grow and flourish.

But the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy has shattered that trust. Parents are now asking: How could such a catastrophic event happen in a place designed to protect and nurture their children?

Voices of grief and demand for change

In the aftermath of this tragedy, parents have expressed their concerns and fears.

Jackline Osumba, a Nairobi resident and parent, shared her thoughts on the need for stricter safety measures in schools. “The government must take urgent action to ensure that students are safe while in school. It is not enough to have fire extinguishers in place; there needs to be regular checks and updates to ensure they are functional. Additionally, schools should be equipped with windows that can be easily opened or broken to allow students to escape in case of an emergency.”

Jackline’s sentiments echo those of many other parents across the country. They are not merely grieving; they are demanding accountability and a commitment to change.

Another concerned parent, George Omoso, emphasises the need for basic fire safety tools and strict adherence to the Ministry of Education’s fire safety regulations.

“In cases of fire outbreaks, there should be basic tools for putting out the fire within reach, like fire extinguishers placed around the school, including in the dormitories. Fire assembly points should also be provided where students and staff can gather in case of emergencies, and regular fire drills should be conducted to ensure everyone knows how to respond in such situations,” he explains.

He further notes that schools should take precautions to remove any flammable materials from high-risk areas and ensure that faulty or exposed wiring is handled by qualified electricians. “Guidelines from the Ministry of Education concerning fire safety should be strictly followed. There should be no fire in schools—this is something that can and should be prevented.”

Omoso also highlights the importance of addressing student grievances, warning that unresolved issues could lead to incidents of arson. “Forums where students can air their concerns should be held regularly to avoid any acts of arson. Prevention must be our priority.”

The loss of 21 young lives is a tragedy that should never have occurred, and it is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take school safety more seriously.

A call for accountability and reform

The key question on everyone’s mind is: What went wrong? Were the dormitories at Hillside Endarasha Academy compliant with the safety standards outlined by the Ministry of Education? Were there enough fire extinguishers and emergency exits, and were the staff trained to handle such emergencies? These are questions that require immediate and honest answers.

As parents, the need for accountability cannot be overstated. The school administration and those responsible for ensuring safety standards must face the consequences of negligence if any is found.

However, accountability alone is not enough. Moving forward, the Ministry of Education must put in place stricter measures and regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Schools should not only meet the basic safety requirements but also continuously adapt to new challenges and risks.

Fire drills, functional fire extinguishers, proper emergency exits, and clear evacuation plans must become the standard in every school across the country.

Time for action

As we mourn the loss of these young lives, we must also turn our grief into action.

Parents, educators, and the government must come together to demand meaningful reforms in school safety.

The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy should serve as a powerful reminder that the safety of our children is paramount and must never be compromised.

Let this be the moment we all commit to ensuring that no parent ever has to experience the pain of sending their child to school, only to never see them again.