Leaders names could be a cause of schools on fire: 8-member team to probe school fires

Education CS Fred Matiang'i before Senate committee on education on Tuesday.Photo Hezron Njoroge

Education CS Fred Matiang’i and his Interior counterpart Joseph Nkaissery named an eight-member team to investigate the spate of school fires yesterday.

They are Claire Omollo (administration secretary in the Office of the President), Patrick Mugo (assistant Inspector General, CID), and Lillian Muli (assistant Inspector General of Police) from the Interior ministry.

From the Education ministry, members are Charles Khayira, James Kairu and Loise Nyasenda from the TSC.

Other members are educationist Grace Mullei and retired Lt Col FC Mugambi.

There have been more than 70 fires this year. Matiang’i had initially ruled out forming a task force.

There have been two task forces - the Lawrence Sagini and Naomi Wangai teams – whose recommendations have not been fully implemented.

The new team starts work immediately and will submit a report in 30 days.

The report will state measures to curb unrest and how to deal with people who raze schools.

In a statement, Matiang’i and Nkaiserry encouraged the community to get involved in protecting learners and property.

Fires have become common every second term.

Fear of exams has been cited as the major reason.