Parents of students at the Utumishi Girls' Academy have opposed the planned reopening of the school from June 30 next week after the school administration announced that students would be allowed back to the facility after a fire incident that claimed the lives of 16 students.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a letter addressed to the schools on Saturday, June 27, the parents are demanding that critical safety concerns arising from the deadly dormitory fire be addressed before the learners are allowed back.

According to parents, the school is prioritising logistical arrangements while ignoring unresolved questions surrounding the tragedy.

In the letter directed also to the director of education in Nakuru County, the parents have called for the suspension of the reopening until a consultative meeting involving all stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education, is held.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the letter, the parents issued four demands that they said must be met before learners resume learning.

At the centre of their demands is a comprehensive safety inspection of all dormitories and school facilities to establish that they are safe for occupancy.

The parents are also demanding professional psychosocial counselling and mental health support for all students affected by the tragedy.

Additionally, they are seeking administrative accountability over the circumstances that led to the fatal fire, as well as a detailed explanation of the school's emergency preparedness measures, including dormitory emergency exits and door-locking procedures, to ensure that learners will be safe.

The parents have issued the school administration a 24-hour ultimatum to respond to their concerns, warning that unless meaningful engagement takes place, they will not allow their daughters to report back to school.

According to the school administration, in a letter to the parents, the school is scheduled to be opened from June 30 in phases.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke