Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy following findings of serious safety lapses at the institution.
In a statement issued on May 29, Ogamba said the decision was made after investigations revealed that the school had failed to comply with established safety standards set out in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
“Consequently, and in view of the foregoing findings, the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” stated CS Ogamba.
CS Ogamba Blames Safety Gaps and Teacher Inaction
According to the Cabinet Secretary, investigations revealed that the school had exposed learners to danger by failing to enforce key safety standards.
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Inspectors established that the dormitories were congested and that one of the exit doors had been locked, contrary to prescribed safety guidelines and emergency evacuation requirements.
The findings also pointed to lapses by members of staff. Two teachers had reportedly received prior information about planned unrest by a group of Form Three students but failed to take preventive action before the incident occurred.
The failure to act on the warning raised concerns over oversight and preparedness within the school.
The Ministry of Education said the combination of poor enforcement of safety standards and failure to act on early intelligence contributed to the events that led to the fire, which preliminary investigations have classified as arson.
Consequently, the CS noted that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been directed to institute disciplinary measures against the school leadership.
The principal is facing immediate disciplinary action for failing to enforce safety requirements, while the teachers who had advance knowledge of the planned unrest will also undergo disciplinary proceedings.
“The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal,” the statement added.
CS Ogamba Confirms Ongoing Probe as DCI Arrests Eight
Ogamba further confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether other officers from the Ministry of Education and the TSC may have been negligent in the execution of their duties.
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The update follows the tragic fire at the Gilgil-based school that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured.
Government reports indicate that all 808 students present at the school during the incident were accounted for, while 79 sustained injuries of varying severity.
Most of the injured students have since been treated and discharged, although a small number remain in hospital receiving care.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also confirmed that several students are being questioned in connection with the incident, as it seeks to establish individual roles in the planning and execution of the fire.
The DCI arrested eight girls in connection with the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
According to a statement by the DCI issued on May 29, investigators conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carried out a detailed review of available CCTV footage.
The Ministry has assured the public that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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