The Ministry of Education in conjunction with local county administration has started to ascertain the safety standards of schools within Migori.
Speaking at his office after meeting county education officials and local administration, Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua said that a multiagency team comprising of education and security stakeholders will be visiting all schools in Migori to ensure the safety measures are adhered to.
“We are focused on safety measures to ensure the security of boarding schools is followed. For instance, we will be advocating for dormitory windows without grills as well as ensuring the door opens from outside”, said Mutua.
Mutia said that the multiagency team will be visiting major boarding schools to ascertain that the kid’s and students’ surroundings are safe.
He also noted that education stakeholders will be focused on civic education to both teachers and students to ensure high standards of safety within schools.
Mutua also affirmed that most of the county schools had a good percentage of safety standards put in place but added that they will reinforce high standards of safety as the schools and students prepare for their national examinations.
Migori County Director of Education Jacob Onyiego said that Sub County Directors in each Sub-County will be involved to ensure that schools within their jurisdiction adhere to the safety standards laid out by the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Education is considering upgrading school safety regulations into law. According to the Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogambo, the safety guidelines and policies set by the Ministry are sufficient but laxity on the part of those entrusted with enforcing them is what is exposing learners to risk.
By Beryl Akinyi
