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HomeNewsParents to Pay Sh6.7 Million After Mariakani Boys Secondary School Fire

Parents to Pay Sh6.7 Million After Mariakani Boys Secondary School Fire

Parents to Pay Sh6.7 Million After Mariakani Boys Secondary School Fire

A 150-bed dormitory at Mariakani Boys Secondary School in Kilifi County was engulfed in flames last Saturday night, prompting parents of students to shoulder a collective burden of Sh6.7 million for the incurred losses.

The incident occurred during an evening entertainment session, with the school subsequently announcing indefinite closure after discussions between Kaloleni Sub-county Education Officer Josphine Lomata, the principal, and the board of management on Sunday.

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Mariakani Deputy County Commissioner Dennis Barasa confirmed the closure, stating that each of the school’s 1,340 students is required to contribute Sh5,000 upon their return.

Meanwhile, a fire at St. John’s Girls Secondary School on Wednesday has added to concerns, although Ms. Lomata declined to provide comments on either incident, citing a lack of authorization to speak to the press.

Efforts to contact Kilifi County education director, Ms. Veronica Kalungu, proved fruitless. Criticism arose from Mariakani Boys Secondary School parents who deemed the Sh5,000 fee excessive.

Former students, including Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire, called for an investigation into the fire’s cause before implementing fines.

They questioned the fairness of penalizing students without definitive proof of their involvement, especially considering past incidents of arson and strikes in the county.

Last year, Ngala Memorial Secondary School suffered two dormitory fires, and St. George High School also faced property loss due to fire. Eight secondary schools in Ganze experienced strikes within a month, resulting in significant property damage and dormitory fires.

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Notably, eight students from Godoma Secondary School in Ganze were arrested following a fatal arson attack on a dormitory.

Ganze Member of Parliament Kenneth Kazungu dismissed fear of mock exams as the sole cause of school unrest, suggesting deeper underlying issues. He called for Ministry of Education intervention to assess the situation firsthand.

Ganze Boys Secondary School experienced three strikes in one month, with parents bearing financial penalties.

Additionally, dormitories at Galana Secondary School and Malindi High School fell victim to fires last year.

These incidents underscore the need for comprehensive investigations and proactive measures to address school safety concerns in Kilifi County.

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Parents to Pay Sh6.7 Million After Mariakani Boys Secondary School Fire

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