In response to the devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, Dagoretti Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has called for a nationwide ban on boarding facilities in primary schools.
Elachi argues that primary-aged children should remain in day schools to ensure their safety and well-being, emphasizing the crucial role of family support during these formative years.
During a local TV morning show, Elachi highlighted the safety concerns associated with boarding schools for younger children, referencing the recent tragedy at Endarasha.
She stated, “Young children are particularly vulnerable in such situations. Their respiratory systems are not equipped to handle smoke, which is why the recent fire had such tragic consequences.”
Elachi urged for a legislative overhaul, advocating for a total ban on primary school boarding. She stressed the importance of keeping children with their families until they are older and more capable of managing the challenges associated with boarding schools.
Echoing Elachi’s concerns, Kibra MP Peter Orero supported the call for a review of primary school boarding facilities.
Orero suggested that a task force be established to assess and regulate these facilities, noting that younger children in boarding schools often lack the necessary self-care skills.
He also highlighted the deficiencies in current quality assurance and standards measures, calling for enhanced oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The Hillside Endarasha Academy fire, which occurred on September 6, 2024, claimed the lives of several students aged 10 to 14.
The wooden dormitory, housing over 150 boys, was engulfed rapidly by the flames.
Efforts to identify the victims are ongoing, with DNA collection from families set to begin on Monday and autopsies scheduled for Tuesday.