At least three other schools have been closed indefinitely in Nakuru County following fire incidents and safety concerns at the institutions.
They have been added to the list of schools that have suspended learning days after a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School killed 16.
They include Moi Forces Academy in Lanet, St Joseph Seminary in Molo Sub-County and Naivasha Girls.
St Joseph Seminary was closed on May 31 following a fire incident that destroyed two dormitories while students had gathered at the school hall for an entertainment session. Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the destruction forced the administration to suspend learning indefinitely.
55 students were affected. They lost bedding, school uniforms, books and other personal items in the fire. The blaze was put out by officers from Mau Summit police station, local firefighters and villagers who responded to distress calls.
Naivasha Girls was also closed on Wednesday evening after the school administration opted to send students home as a precautionary measure following a fire scare. A parent at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said students were sent home after teachers received reports that some learners were planning a riot. After holding a meeting, they opted to send them home for a break to avoid escalation.
"When I was told that the students were being sent home, I immediately went to pick my daughter. My first reaction was fear because memories of the Utumishi Girls tragedy are still very fresh. While I was relieved that the school acted quickly to protect students, the government and school administration must ensure all schools are inspected and equipped to handle emergencies before another family loses a child," the parent told Nation .
At Moi Forces Academy in Lanet, Bahati Sub-County, the school's administration ordered temporary closure over safety concerns. The school administration notified parents through text message on Tuesday to pick their Form Three and Grade 10 daughters on Wednesday from 8am.
At the school, students had been grouped according to their classes under close supervision of their class teachers, who were only releasing students to parents or guardians.
"Dear parent/guardian, following the recent happenings in schools in the country, and as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, the school will release Form 3 and Grade 10 learners to proceed home for a short break on Wednesday. Kindly pick your daughter at 8am," read the text message.
When reached for comment, the Rift Valley Regional Director of Education, Mr James Indimuli, said that they have since convened a meeting with school heads and other education stakeholders to deliberate on the issue.
"We are currently in a meeting discussing the way forward; the reopening of Utumishi Girls is also among the agendas," he said.
