Ruto vows tougher enforcement of school safety regulations following Hillside Academy fire
President William Ruto has issued a stern warning, stating that compliance with government regulations aimed at curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is “not negotiable.”
This follows the devastating fire at Hillside Academy that claimed several lives and left many injured, sparking national concern about the safety of children in schools.
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In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, President Ruto highlighted the importance of adhering to safety measures as the only effective way to prevent the tragic loss of life and limb in schools.
He called on security agencies to expedite investigations into the cause of the fire at Hillside Academy and to assess safety compliance in other institutions affected by similar incidents.
“Compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is not negotiable. This is the only insurance we have to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in schools,” Ruto posted.
The president was briefed by Ministry of Education officials on the ongoing investigations and the steps being taken to enhance the safety of students across the country.
He emphasized that ensuring the safety of children in schools remains a top priority for his administration.
President Ruto’s message comes at a time when school fires have become a recurring problem in Kenya, with numerous institutions grappling with fire outbreaks that often result in significant property damage and, in tragic cases, loss of life.
Parents and education stakeholders have expressed concerns over the preparedness of schools to handle such emergencies and the adequacy of safety measures in place.
The Hillside Academy fire has reignited the debate on school safety standards, with many calling for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and the introduction of new measures to protect students.
As investigations continue, the government is expected to roll out additional safety audits in schools nationwide, ensuring that no learning institution is left vulnerable to future fire incidents.
