Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced a comprehensive fire and safety inspection of all educational institutions in the county, set to begin on Monday.
This crucial directive comes in the wake of a catastrophic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri that claimed the lives of 21 students. The incident has ignited widespread concern over fire safety protocols in schools nationwide.
Speaking during the Seventh Day Adventist camp at Tononoka Grounds in Mvita Sub-County, Governor Nassir emphasized the urgency of the inspections.
“The aim is to identify fire safety gaps in learning institutions. We will also provide basic fire safety training for school operators,” he stated. The inspections will cover both private and public institutions, including Early Childhood Development centers, primary and secondary schools, and universities.
The Governor’s call for action follows yet another fire incident at Isiolo Girls Secondary School late Saturday night, just a day after the Nyeri tragedy.
Local authorities, including the Kenya Defence Forces and fire units from Isiolo Airport, responded swiftly, containing the fire and preventing further disaster. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among students or staff.
National Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango confirmed that the Isiolo fire was extinguished without casualties, alleviating some concerns in the community. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among students, teachers, or staff,” Dr. Onyango told Capital FM News.
As a series of school fires raise alarms about safety measures in Kenya, authorities at Hillside Endarasha Academy indicate that the final death toll may change pending DNA identification due to the severity of the burns on some victims.
