This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
A devastating dorm fire at Le Pic High School in Nairobi in 2012 left five students dead, sparking a safety crisis in Kenya's boarding schools. In a landmark ruling, Lady Justice Korir described dormitories in these schools as 'death traps' and directed authorities to enforce safety requirements to prevent such tragedies.
Justice Korir's ruling came after she acquitted 23-year-old Allan Bradley, who was charged with the murder of four students and a janitor. The judge ruled that investigations into the tragedy were poorly done and that the school's negligence was to blame for the deaths.
The judge noted that the school failed to put in place adequate safety measures, including clear passages and exits, to aid escape in case of emergencies. She also directed that school admissions should be strictly tied to bed capacity to avoid overcrowding.
Justice Korir ordered school managers to ensure functioning fire extinguishers are placed at each exit, fire alarms are fitted at easily accessible points, and teachers conduct regular spot checks before learners retire to bed.
She also directed that each dormitory should have a door at each end and an additional emergency exit at the middle, which should be locked at all times when learners are in class or in the playing field.
Published on September 17, 2019.
