Govt unveils 8-member team to probe school fires

The government has formed an eight-member Special Investigations Team to ‘vigorously comb the areas affected by incidents of school unrest’.

The team commences work immediately and will submit a findings report to the Ministry of Education and the Interior Ministry within 30 days.

The team has membership drawn from the two ministries.

“The report should clearly outline measures to be taken to forestall future cases of unrest and also spell out individuals/parties that will be held responsible for the school fires, including through prosecution and surcharging of suspects,” read a statement signed by Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i (Education) and Joseph Nkaissery (Interior).

The team is required to ensure comprehensive investigation of all cases of school fires during the second term of 2016, review recommendations of past task forces on student unrest, review implementation status and propose methodology of effecting the balance of proposals as well as audit existing school safety and security regulations and system and make recommendations on stricter measures to ensure high standards of discipline in schools.

“In the meantime, directions already issued on containing indiscipline in schools and holding culprits to account must be heeded. The government expects deeper positive community involvement in the protection of learners and property,” further read the statement.

The team comprises; Secretary of Administration in the Officer of the President Claire Omolo, Assistant inspector General of Police Lilian Muli, Assistant Inspector General in the Criminal Investigations Department Patrick Mugo, Senior Assistant Director in the Ministry of Education Charles Khayira, Senior Assistant Director in the Ministry of Education James Kairu, Senior Deputy Director in the Teachers Service Commission Loise Nyasenda, Educationist Gracie K. Mullei and Lt. Col. (Rtd) F.C. Mugambi.