The Elimu Bora Working Group expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the children who tragically lost their lives in the fire at Hillside Academy. No family should have to endure the sorrow of losing a child in such a manner, and no child should go to school only to face preventable dangers.

This tragedy, which claimed the lives of 21 students as of September 10, 2024, shows the inadequate safety standards prevalent in many schools, especially in boarding institutions. These deaths directly result from systemic failures by those responsible for ensuring that schools provide safe and conducive learning environments for learners and teachers.

The government's response has also been woefully insufficient. Instead of urgently addressing school safety issues, the Ministry of Education has focused on delivering maize and beans to affected schools and convincing parents to send their children back. This response shows a lack of understanding of the gravity of the loss and a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of our students.

The tragedy is consistent with past disasters in which lives were lost and wanton injuries witnessed. It happened at St. Kizito Secondary School in Tigania (1991), Bombolulu Girls' Secondary School (1998), Nyeri High School (1999), Kyanguli Secondary School (2001), Endarasha Boys' High School (2010), Asumbi Girls' Boarding Primary School (2012), and Moi Girls' High School (2017). Investigative reports consistently cited negligence by responsible parties, yet recommendations were mostly ignored, allowing the tragic loss of life to continue.

The blame for this disaster rests squarely on the individuals—including Education Cabinet Sectary Migos Ogamba and Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang—and institutions that failed to fulfil their responsibilities. Those responsible for inspecting the school and ensuring safety standards must be held accountable.

Considering this, the Elimu Bora Working Group calls for the following actions:

  1. Education CS Ogamba, PS Kipsang, and the Ministry’s Quality and Standards Assurance Team in Nyeri must resign and take full responsibility for this disaster. These officials failed to protect our children, yet they are entrusted with ensuring that schools across Kenya are safe.
  2. The administration of Hillside Academy must be held accountable for the students’ deaths that happened under their watch.
  3. The Ministry of Education and the administration of Hillside Academy must proactively provide parents with all relevant information concerning the tragedy, including the students' safety and whereabouts.
  4. Elimu Bora and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) are preparing to file a legal challenge against those whose negligence and failure to enforce proper safety standards led to the deaths of these students. We will not rest until justice is served.
  5. Safety conditions in all schools, particularly boarding institutions, must be reviewed nationwide. This review must be followed by strict enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.