Kericho Orders Boarding School Safety Audit as Unrest Concerns Grow Nationwide

Kericho Orders Boarding School Safety Audit as Unrest Concerns Grow Nationwide

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has ordered a comprehensive safety audit of all boarding schools in the county within the next 10 days, joining a growing nationwide push to strengthen student safety following a wave of unrest and deadly incidents reported in learning institutions across the country.

The directive comes amid heightened concern over student welfare after several schools experienced unrest, property destruction, and dormitory fires, including the tragic blaze at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.

Speaking on Wednesday, Governor Mutai said the county government would work closely with education officials, security agencies, and school administrators to ensure boarding institutions meet all required safety standards and provide secure learning environments for students.

“All boarding schools in Kericho County will undergo a safety compliance assessment within the next ten days to ensure that boarding facilities meet the required safety standards and provide a secure environment for our learners,”the governor stated.

The announcement marks one of the most significant county-level interventions since concerns emerged over rising cases of student unrest in secondary schools across Kenya.

According to the governor, the audit will focus on critical safety areas, including dormitory conditions, emergency preparedness, fire prevention measures, sanitation facilities, and student welfare systems. Authorities are also expected to assess whether schools have adequate firefighting equipment, clearly marked emergency exits, and effective response plans in the event of emergencies.

Governor Mutai emphasized that student safety extends beyond infrastructure, urging school administrators to strengthen relationships with learners through open communication and mentorship.

“We have also urged school administrators to build stronger rapport with learners by talking with them, not to them, and by fostering open communication that promotes trust, guidance, and mentorship,”

The directive followed a high-level Heads of Educational Institutions Quality Assurance Meeting convened in Kericho County. The meeting brought together stakeholders from the education sector, security agencies, county leadership, and teachers’ representatives to discuss emerging challenges affecting schools and identify practical solutions.

Among those in attendance were Kericho County Commissioner Ali Omar, County Director of Education Julius Ng’oneshi, County Police Commander Peter Kilonzo, representatives of school principals, officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and county government officials.

Participants expressed concern over increasing incidents of unrest reported in schools across various regions of the country, warning that unresolved student grievances, inadequate supervision, and poor communication channels could contribute to future disturbances if not addressed promptly.

County officials noted that proactive interventions are necessary to prevent situations from escalating into tragedies that threaten the lives of learners and disrupt education.

The Kericho initiative comes shortly after Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced a nationwide inspection exercise targeting all boarding schools beginning June 2.

The Ministry of Education ordered the inspections following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, an incident that shocked the nation and renewed debate about safety compliance in boarding institutions.

While addressing education stakeholders earlier this week, Bitok emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among school administrators, particularly during the current academic term.

“I told them this is a very, very sensitive term, and you must be on top of things. You must listen to the students,”Bitok said.

The Principal Secretary stressed that administrators must maintain open communication with learners and respond promptly to emerging concerns before they develop into larger disciplinary or safety challenges.

Education experts have also increasingly pointed to student engagement, counseling services, and mentorship programmes as critical tools in preventing unrest and promoting positive school environments.

As investigations continue into recent incidents and safety audits begin across the country, education authorities hope the renewed focus on compliance, student welfare, and early intervention will help restore confidence in boarding schools and prevent future tragedies.

For parents, teachers, and learners alike, the coming weeks are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether schools are adequately prepared to guarantee the safety and well-being of students entrusted to their care.

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Kericho Orders Boarding School Safety Audit as Unrest Concerns Grow Nationwide