Karen Nyamu Explains Why Schools Should Have Safety Officers
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu now wants the government to deploy trained safety officers in all schools across the country.
According to Nyamu, having safety officials in schools improves preparedness for emergencies and thus significantly reduces risk.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu now wants the government to deploy trained safety officers in all schools across the country.
— AfricasNow (@AfricasNow24) September 18, 2024
According to Nyamu, having safety officials in schools improves preparedness for emergencies and thus significantly reduces risk. pic.twitter.com/TrNXCO4Bcb
She stated that the officers should be Ministry of Education staff because many schools, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, lack the resources to address safety risks.
“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.”
“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 school environment,” Nyamu said at the Senate on Wednesday.
She emphasized the importance of having these officers given the recent increase in cases of insecurity, violence, and accidents in schools across the country.
The nominated senator stated that this is one of several safety concerns that may arise in schools.
She has asked the Senate to require the government to implement comprehensive safety training protocols, including first aid, emergency response, and violence management, in addition to deploying these officers.
“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 worker, and that safety is critical in improving the overall quality of education.”
She insisted that schools play an important role in shaping our children’s futures while also providing a safe learning environment.
Her comments come during a week of resentful school fires and strikes across the country.
These incidents have resulted in schools losing property worth millions of shillings.
Several students and pupils have also died in these fires. Authorities are still looking into the causes of these incidents.
Karen Nyamu Explains Why Schools Should Have Safety Officers
