The recent tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, where 16 innocent students lost their lives in a devastating fire, is beyond heartbreaking. My deepest prayers and condolences go out to the families, friends, and the community affected by this unimaginable loss. This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of systemic neglect and failure, particularly in the areas of safety and emergency preparedness. It’s not just a story of a tragic accident—it’s a reflection of how corruption and poor planning are costing us our future, one life at a time.
Corruption: The Silent Killer in Our Systems
In Kenya and many other parts of the world, corruption has become a systemic issue that continues to plague institutions, especially those meant to protect and serve the public. In the case of schools, one would expect stringent safety protocols to be in place, especially in boarding institutions where students spend their nights. These protocols include fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and fire escape routes. However, what we often see is the opposite—substandard infrastructure, non-functional or non-existent fire safety equipment, and slow emergency response.
This failure is often rooted in the misallocation of funds, where money meant for critical safety measures is diverted due to corruption. Schools are issued safety licenses without meeting the minimum requirements, officials turn a blind eye to lapses, and institutions are left vulnerable. The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a stark reminder that we can no longer afford to overlook these issues. Every building, every dormitory, and every school must be equipped with the necessary systems to protect lives.
The Importance of Fire Safety in Building Design
One of the fundamental aspects of building safety, especially in institutions like schools, is designing structures that are not only functional but also safe. Fire prevention and response measures should be an integral part of the design process, not an afterthought.
- Fire Suppression Systems
Every building, particularly hostels and dormitories, should be equipped with modern fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and smoke detectors. These systems act as the first line of defence in the event of a fire, helping to contain and extinguish flames before they spread. In many developed countries, these systems are mandatory in schools and other public buildings. In Kenya, this should be no different. A robust fire suppression system can save lives by buying precious time for evacuation and reducing the intensity of a fire. - Fire Extinguishers and Firefighting Equipment
Every floor and critical point within a school or hostel should have accessible and functional fire extinguishers. It is not enough to simply install them—they need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they work when needed. Staff and students should also be trained on how to use them effectively. Having a fire extinguisher within reach can make the difference between a small, controllable fire and a deadly inferno. - Emergency Exits and Escape Routes
In many schools, especially older ones, little thought has been given to proper fire escape routes. This has to change. Buildings should have clearly marked and accessible emergency exits, with escape routes that are unobstructed at all times. Fire drills should be conducted regularly to familiarize students and staff with these routes and the evacuation process. In the case of Hillside Endarasha Academy, we can only imagine how many more lives could have been saved if there were adequate fire escapes in place. - Safe Building Materials
Schools and hostels must be constructed with fire-resistant materials. From the walls to the furnishings, every component should be designed to minimize the risk of fire or slow its spread. In addition, electrical wiring, a common source of fires in schools, should be inspected regularly, and installations should follow stringent safety codes.
Holding Authorities Accountable
It is not enough to just design safe buildings—we must also hold authorities and administrators accountable for ensuring these safety measures are implemented and maintained. Emergency response systems should be swift, effective, and available on the go. In a properly functioning system, firefighters and paramedics should have been on the scene at Hillside Endarasha Academy within minutes, equipped to manage the situation and save lives. Yet, too often, we see emergency services that are underfunded and ill-prepared, largely due to corruption and poor governance.
Building a Safer Future for Our Children
The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must demand more from our institutions, from school administrators to government officials. We can no longer accept mediocrity when lives are at stake. Schools must prioritize the safety of their students by adhering to the highest fire safety standards. Emergency services must be better funded, and corruption must be eradicated to ensure that funds meant for safety improvements are used appropriately.
The sad reality is that this fire was preventable. Had the right systems been in place—fire suppression, functional extinguishers, trained personnel, and proper escape routes—those 16 children might still be alive today. We owe it to them and to every child in this country to make sure that this never happens again.
Taking Action: What We Can Do
- Demand Better Regulations
Parents, teachers, and the community must push for stronger regulations around fire safety in schools. The government should enforce strict guidelines for fire suppression systems, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness. - Invest in Safety Training
Schools need to invest in fire safety training for students and staff. Regular drills can save lives by teaching everyone what to do in an emergency. Training on how to use fire extinguishers and how to evacuate safely is critical. - Hold Administrators Accountable
School administrators should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of their students. Safety should be a top priority, not an afterthought. Licenses should only be issued to schools that meet all safety requirements. - Combat Corruption
Corruption undermines all efforts to improve public safety. It’s up to citizens and watchdog organizations to demand transparency and accountability, especially in how public funds are spent. If we can eliminate corruption in safety inspections and emergency services, we can create a system that protects lives instead of endangering them.
The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a sombre reminder that lives are at stake when systems fail. We cannot bring back the 16 young lives lost, but we can honour their memory by ensuring that this never happens again. Through proper building design, fire suppression systems, training, and accountability, we can create a safer future for all children.
