Parents and political leaders in the former Western Province have urged the Ministry of Education to introduce the Nyumba Kumi initiative in schools to curb school unrest and fires that are being witnessed in some schools in the country.
The parents who spoke to the West Media said there is a need for the Ministry to introduce the initiative which should include parents, students, teachers and neighbours to promote security in schools.
They noted the initiative will help both players disclose information to the authority before an arson bid or unrest is executed by the culprits.
The parents with the support of their leaders said Nyumba Kumi initiative which was introduced in the villages had helped to curb cases of insecurity where the vetted people were involved in the security matters. They said the same will help improve security in schools if well executed.
“We are appealing to the ministry of education and interior to work together and come up with a plan of introducing Nyumba Kumi in our schools. The Nyumba Kumi initiative which has supported security measures in the villages will be helpful if also introduced in schools,” posed the parents.
Luanda MP Chris Omulele while addressing the students of Hobunaka Boys secondary school in Vihiga County supported the move saying the security of the schools should be handled by students, teachers and the society.
Omulele who had toured the school after a fire razed the school’s dormitory asked students to protect their schools to help stop incidences of fires and students’ unrest.
The MP who gave the school Kshs 500,000 to help repair the damaged dormitory cautioned students against joining politics saying their duty is to focus on their education and not politics.
He said students should concentrate on their academics because their parents and leaders have sacrificed a lot to keep them at school.
“I urge students to protect their schools and focus on their education. For you to live better lives you must excel in your academics. I do also caution students against involving themselves in the country’s politics. Leave politics to politicians and focus on your studies,” urged Omulele.
Emuhaya Sub County Education Director Peter Chacha said the Ministry is committed to ensuring schools are protected and safe for students.
He also asked students to report any information to the school managers of any arson atempts.
In Kisumu County, Kisumu Red Cross donated mattresses and nets to Ogada secondary school students after fire destroyed their dormitory.
Red Cross representative from Kisumu, Issac Nyamori said they donated 120 pieces of blankets and 60 nets to those students who lost their property in the inferno.
School principal Peter Aila thanked Red Cross for their friendly gesture saying it will help the students continue their education at the school.
A week ago, fire gutted down a dormitory at Sigot secondary school in Kisumu barely a few days after fire burnt dormitory at the same school.
Fire cases have raised concern among education stakeholders in Western and Nyanza region asking the Ministry to carry ou a probe on the incidences.
