Parents Want Health Inspection in Boarding Schools
Parents have requested that the government inspect public boarding schools to evaluate the learning environment and enforce health regulations.
The call by parents follows the deaths of two Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School students.
Silas Obuhatsa, the National Parents’ Association (NPA) chairman, stated that the Ministry of Education should form a special task force to inspect schools on the move, as school administrators have failed to adhere to government-issued health and sanitation regulations.
Mr. Obuhatsa emphasized that teachers must ensure the upholding of sanitation standards, which includes maintaining cleanliness in areas where food is prepared and dining halls. He also highlighted the need for regular water treatment and cleaning of water storage tanks.
The Ministry of Health has formed a multi-agency team to evaluate schools’ health and education standards nationwide.
Susan Nakhumicha, Cabinet Secretary for Health, stated that officials from the Ministries of Health, Education, Environment, Water, and Internal Security would comprise the task force.
The CS, who visited the Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls and Butere Boys high schools in Kakamega County on April 5, reported that health officials had taken food and water samples for testing in government laboratories to determine the source of the infection at the Mukumu school.
Initial tests at the Kakamega County General Hospital, where most girls were treated, indicated that the students had contracted a bacterial infection from consuming contaminated food and water.
Principal Secretary of Education Belio Kipsang urged school principals to reduce overcrowding in dormitories, dining halls, and classrooms and to adhere to student safety standards.
Dr. Kipsang stated at Butere Boys High School, "I appeal to all heads of learning institutions, school management committees, and teachers to strictly adhere to the safety standards for the good of our children.“
He urged parents and guardians to take an active interest in their children’s safety.
He stated that their children’s safety was paramount to providing quality education. He also mentioned that insecurity for the children could arise from inadequate school facilities and infrastructure in addition to personal threats.
Parents Want Health Inspection in Boarding Schools
