The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has warned that stern disciplinary action will be taken against any teacher found culpable in the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Senior School.

Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evelyne Mitei said preliminary reports indicate that two teachers and the school principal may have had prior knowledge of the incident but failed to take action.

“We have received a preliminary report with allegations that two of our teachers were aware of this incident and they didn’t take action. We will follow due process. We are giving the criminal investigations space to conclude before commencing disciplinary procedures under the TSC code of regulations should the teachers be found capable,” said Mitei.

She assured the country that any TSC employee found responsible would face disciplinary

action once investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are completed.

Earlier on In Nairobi, Edication CS Julias Migosi Ogamba noted that the school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the school safety manual and the basic education regulations.

“In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked contrary to the prescribed safety requirements. Two teachers were informed of this planned unrest by a section of three learners. However, these teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson despite having been informed of this incident beforehand,” he noted

The remarks came during an evening press briefing led by Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who confirmed that all students at the school had been accounted for following the tragic incident that claimed 16 lives.

Education PS Julias Bitok noted that all students have have been accounted for disputing more than 16 student from Utumishi Girls Senior School died in the fire incident

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA / MTAA WANGU

“We have accounted for all the students of Utumishi Girls Senior School. We know those that are hospitalized, those who passed on, and those assisting the DCI with investigations,” said Bitok.

Bitok stated that DNA identification processes for the deceased had already begun, while post-mortem examinations are expected to commence on Saturday

He added that eight students are currently assisting investigators as the DCI intensifies its probe into the cause of the fire.

He described the tragedy as deeply unfortunate and disclosed that only 10 days earlier, he had held a meeting with principals from schools across the country to discuss school safety and ways of preventing unrest during the second term.

“The told the school heads that they must follow the safety standards in our schools. In addition, I told them to work very closely with our quality assurance officers, sub-county directors and county directors of education. Just in case they suspect there is tension in the school, they should be able to call for support to prevent such incidents,” he noted

The government has also formed a funeral arrangements committee chaired by the Nakuru County Commissioner to coordinate burial plans and support affected families.

Questions were also raised over concerns by parents who claimed they had not been informed about the whereabouts of students being questioned by investigators.

In response, Bitok insisted that all students had been accounted for and said the Kenya Red Cross was providing counselling and support to affected families.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure everybody gets justice in this incident,” he said.

He concluded by clearing the air waves that only 16 children died in the fire incident while those in hospital after receiving treatment are not in a critical condition.

wajirukinuthia20@gmail.com

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