Parents Decry Hefty School Damage Fees Amid Fire Outbreaks
Complaints have been raised by parents regarding the substantial fines imposed by schools for damages resulting from fire outbreaks. Concerns have been expressed by parents and some education stakeholders in Kilifi regarding the frequent occurrences of fires in schools.
They urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to identify the perpetrators rather than condemning all students indiscriminately. It was suggested that certain incidents might be deliberate, potentially benefiting some staff members from the funds collected.
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The issue gained traction after the arrest of a matron from one school, who was identified as a key suspect based on CCTV footage showing her leaving a dormitory shortly before it caught fire.
Some stakeholders questioned why parents should be held accountable, particularly in cases where fires may have resulted from electrical faults.
Last month, a series of arson attacks struck over five secondary schools in Kilifi, resulting in the destruction of property worth millions of shillings. Fortunately, no students were injured as the incidents mostly occurred when students were away from the dormitories.
Lucas Kangongo, the Coast Regional Education Director, stated that investigations into the arson attacks are ongoing.
He warned students against involvement in such activities. Kangongo mentioned that the boards of management of Mariakani and St John’s schools agreed to finance the reconstruction of the razed dormitories using funds from parents. However, at St John’s, a matron was arrested as a suspect.
ALSO READ: Parents to Pay Sh6.7 Million After Mariakani Boys Secondary School Fire
School boards are responsible for determining the necessary repair funds and overseeing their utilization. At Mariakani Boys Secondary School, a 150-capacity dormitory was destroyed by a fire during the night while students were engaged in recreational activities.
The school was indefinitely closed after a meeting between Kaloleni Sub-County Education Officer Josphine Lomata and the school board, with each student required to contribute Sh5,000 upon return.
Similar incidents occurred at St John’s Girls Secondary School and Godoma Boys Secondary School, where parents were asked to pay for damages caused by fires in dormitories. The tragic fire at Godoma resulted in the death of a Form Two student. Eight students were arrested in connection with the arson.
Financial constraints have hindered some students from returning to school, prompting creative solutions such as engaging in charcoal production to raise funds. Some parents have been forced to transfer their children to other schools due to the inability to afford the damage fees and school expenses.
Gabriel Katana, the former Kilifi County Education Board Chairperson, emphasized the need for the board of management and parents’ association to consider their decisions carefully. He highlighted the burden placed on parents who must pay both damage fees and outstanding school fees, potentially leading to increased dropout rates.
ALSO READ: Education Official Rules Out Electricity as Cause of Kapsirowa School Fire as Probe Begins
Last year, several secondary schools in Ganze experienced strikes and property damage, echoing the challenges faced by educational institutions in the region. In Kwale, Kaya Tiwi Secondary School faced a closure due to student unrest, highlighting broader issues affecting schools beyond Kilifi.
Parents Decry Hefty School Damage Fees Amid Fire Outbreaks
