Senator Nyamu seeks deployment of safety officers in schools to tackle violence

Kenyans might soon spot safety officers across learning institutions if a proposal by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu is enacted to become a law.

Nyamu on Wednesday tabled a notice of motion at the Senate seeking to compel the government to deploy trained safety officers in all schools.

The motion comes at a time when Kenya has witnessed 239 cases of unrest in secondary schools in the last nine months, out of which 106 are fire-related and 35 cases occurred in the third term.

According to the lawmaker, having safety officials in schools will enhance preparedness for emergencies and significantly lower risks.

She emphasised that these officers should be employees of the Ministry of Education as many schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas, lack the resources to effectively manage safety concerns.

"Many schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas, lack the necessary resources and expertise to manage the safety risks effectively, which exposes students and staff to potential harm," Nyamu said.

"These trained safety officers will oversee safety protocols, provide first aid, conduct safety drills, ensure fire preparedness, manage emergency evacuation and assist in addressing violence or other threats within the school environment," she added.

The UDA senator stressed the importance of having these officers in light of the recent rise in insecurity, violence, and accidents in schools.

Nyamu pointed out that these are just a few of the safety challenges schools may face.

Through the Senate, she aims to urge the government to not only deploy these officers but also establish comprehensive safety training protocols covering first aid, emergency response, and violence management.

"Provide necessary resources and support to schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas, to effectively deploy and utilise these safety officers," Nyamu said.

"Safety within schools is a fundamental right of every student, teacher, and other workers, and that safety is critical in improving the overall quality of education," she added.

The senator also emphasised that schools are vital in shaping the future of children and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Her comments come amid a troubling wave of school fires and strikes across the country, which have resulted in the loss of property worth millions of shillings.

Tragically, several students have lost their lives in these incidents, and authorities are currently investigating their causes.