Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged schools across the country to strengthen security measures, including the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, following the deadly fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at Kipsigis Girls High School in Kericho County, Murkomen said learning institutions must prioritize student safety by adopting modern surveillance systems and improving emergency preparedness.
He stressed that school administrators and boards of management have a responsibility to ensure dormitories are safe, adequately planned, and equipped with emergency exits capable of facilitating swift evacuation during crises.
“We must ensure dormitories are not overcrowded and that they have proper emergency exits to safeguard learners in case of emergencies,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary further called on schools to invest in surveillance technology, saying CCTV cameras could play a crucial role in detecting threats early and enhancing overall security.
“We need properly installed CCTV cameras covering critical areas within schools, supported by central monitoring systems to improve response and accountability,” he added.
Lessons from the Utumishi Academy Fire
Murkomen said the recent tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy had exposed weaknesses in how schools respond to information shared by students.
According to him, preliminary findings indicate that some concerns raised by learners before the incident may not have received the attention they deserved.
“One of the lessons from Utumishi is that information provided by students should never be ignored or taken lightly,” he noted.
The CS emphasized the importance of building trust between teachers and students, arguing that open communication channels can help identify potential risks before they escalate into disasters.
He encouraged educators to create environments where learners feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of victimization.
“Teachers should establish strong relationships with students so that they can freely share information about issues affecting them and their school environment,” Murkomen said.
Growing Calls for Enhanced School Safety
Murkomen’s remarks come amid renewed national debate over safety standards in Kenyan schools following a series of tragedies that have raised concerns about preparedness and student welfare.
Education stakeholders have increasingly called for stronger enforcement of safety regulations, improved dormitory standards, and better emergency response systems in boarding institutions.
The proposal to expand CCTV coverage is expected to generate discussions around funding and implementation, particularly for schools operating with limited resources.
Leaders Attend Kericho Event
The Interior CS was accompanied by several leaders, including Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Kericho County Commissioner Ali Omar, and local Members of the County Assembly.
As investigations into the Utumishi Girls Academy fire continue, Murkomen maintained that enhancing school security must remain a national priority to prevent similar incidents and ensure learning institutions remain safe spaces for students.
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