The Ministry of Education has ordered a fresh nationwide inspection of all boarding schools following the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured.
The directive was announced by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok during an education event in Wajir County, where he said education officials have been instructed to carry out comprehensive inspections in all boarding institutions within the next 10 days.
According to the PS, the exercise will begin on June 2 and is aimed at confirming whether schools are complying with established safety regulations designed to protect learners.
Bitok said the inspections will focus on critical areas including dormitory safety, emergency exits, firefighting equipment, electrical installations and other measures intended to safeguard students.
“We have directed our officers to undertake thorough inspections in all boarding schools and provide recommendations on compliance with safety standards,” he said.
The government has warned that tough action will be taken against principals, teachers and school administrators found violating safety regulations or exposing learners to danger.
The move comes amid heightened concern over the safety of students in boarding institutions following several dormitory fire incidents reported in recent years.
Attention has particularly focused on the recent tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, where a dormitory fire broke out on the night of May 28. Preliminary findings raised concerns about overcrowding in the affected dormitory, with reports indicating that some students were forced to sleep in corridors due to limited space.
The Ministry of Education maintains that all schools are required to adhere to strict safety guidelines covering accommodation, emergency preparedness and disaster response. Schools found to be non-compliant risk closure and disciplinary action against responsible officials.
Bitok noted that the Utumishi Girls incident should serve as a wake-up call for school administrators across the country. He revealed that the ministry had previously held meetings with education officers, principals and directors of education to reinforce the importance of complying with safety regulations.
Despite those warnings, he said some institutions failed to fully implement the required standards.
The nationwide audit is expected to identify gaps that may place learners at risk and provide recommendations for corrective action.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the inspections, saying they are necessary to restore public confidence and ensure schools remain safe environments for learning.
As the inspections get underway, parents, teachers and education officials will be closely watching the outcome, hoping the exercise helps prevent future tragedies and strengthens student safety across Kenya’s boarding schools.
