Court orders Education CS to give safety report on Hillside Endarasha Academy

The High Court in Nyeri has ordered Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba to submit a detailed safety report concerning the Hillside Endarasha Academy where 21 boys died in a dormitory fire.

This directive comes as part of a case filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission, David Karani, and the Elimu Bora Working Group.

During the proceedings on Thursday, Justice Kizito Magare granted temporary relief to the academy, allowing pupils scheduled to sit their Kenya Primary School Education Assessment to return to school.

"The 1st and 3rd Respondents may admit only 114 students into the dormitories for the purposes of assessment and exams after the County Director of Education, Jane Njogu, has personally visited and been satisfied with the safety of the dormitory," Justice Magare stated.

The court also ordered a fresh inspection of the school's electrical installations after concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of safety measures.

It was revealed that the electrical work was both initiated and completed on the same day, leading to questions about the authenticity of a completion certificate issued that afternoon.

Sceptical

Justice Magare was sceptical about the extent of the work completed.

"The report by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority doesn't appear truthful," he said.

The judge emphasized that proper testing must be conducted by engineers at the county level to ensure safety standards are met.

The case will resume on October 24, 2024.

Last week, the court prohibited the reopening of the school's boarding facilities, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the safety of the minors involved.

"I am satisfied that there is a threat to the safety and health of the minors," Justice Magare said on October 9, 2024.

The academy was closed on September 5 following a tragic fire that destroyed the boys' dormitory and resulted in the loss of 21 lives.

The petitioners in this case raised serious concerns regarding the haste to reopen the school just a month after such a devastating incident.

They argued that adequate safety standards had not been established and called for a comprehensive report detailing the school's safety measures.

In addition to demanding health and safety reports from various parties, including the school's Board of Management and the County Education Board, the judge ordered that psychosocial support be provided to affected pupils and their families.

The court's comprehensive directives reflect a commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students at Hillside Endarasha Academy.