EMMANUEL WEKESA
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed the immediate dissolution of the Utumishi Girls Academy school's Board of Management over alleged negligence following the death of 16 students.
Accountability and Safety Enforcement
Addressing the press, CS Ogamba accused the school administration of failing to comply with safety requirements outlined in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. Specifically, he highlighted issues such as dormitory congestion and a locked exit door, both violations of safety protocols.
Furthermore, Ogamba disclosed that two teachers had prior knowledge of potential unrest but failed to act appropriately before the arson. The Board of Management was dissolved for neglecting safety regulations, and disciplinary actions are underway against the school principal and teachers involved.
The ongoing investigations also involve other education officers, with the CS emphasizing that any negligence will be met with legal and disciplinary action. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently interrogating eight students linked to the fire, aiming to establish their roles in the incident.
The tragedy resulted in 16 student deaths and injuries to 79 learners, with 71 still hospitalized. The government remains committed to accountability and ensuring such safety lapses do not recur, as it seeks to strengthen governance and safety enforcement in schools.
