Concerns Over 99.9% of Schools Without Health Inspection Reports in 5 Years
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has strongly criticized the Ministry of Education in light of recent student deaths at Mukumu Girls’ school and the subsequent health crisis in schools across the country.
In an interview on K24 TV on April 18, 2023, Nabwera claimed that many schools in Kenya have not conducted health inspections of their facilities in the last five years, with 99.9% of schools lacking health inspection reports.
Nabwera commended Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa for ordering health inspections of schools in his county, but expressed concerns that the findings of the health inspection report may not be made public due to the potentially damning revelations it may contain.
He thanked the governor for his bold decision and acknowledged that other officials may be uneasy about the report, as it could reveal neglect of children’s health in schools.
The Lugari MP also raised questions about the capitation money held by the Ministry of Education, which is meant to serve as health insurance for learners. He pointed out that a significant amount of money remains with the Ministry, and asked where it goes and who it is benefiting.
He highlighted that in light of the dire situation at Mukumu Girls’ and other schools with poor facilities where students have died, it is crucial to investigate how the medical insurance money is being utilized by schools.
The health crisis in schools has resulted in several educational facilities being closed down, with some experiencing outbreaks of cholera and other preventable diseases. Mukumu Girls’ school, in particular, was hit by E. coli and salmonellosis, which could have been prevented with good hygiene practices.
Over 600 secondary students from Mukumu Girls’ and Butere Boys’ schools in Kakamega County were hospitalized due to these diseases, and three students and a teacher died at Mukumu Girls’.
In response to the situation, the Board of Management at Mukumu Girls’ school has been disbanded, and a new board has been constituted. The Ministry of Education has also deployed a new principal to the institution, while reassigning the former principal to the Regional Teachers Service Commissioner’s office in Kakamega.
However, Education Secretary Ezekiel Machogu absolved blame from both the former administration, the principal, and the Board of Management, stating that no investigation or charges will be pursued against them, and describing the incident as unfortunate.
Concerns Over 99.9% of Schools Without Health Inspection Reports in 5 Years