Substance abuse a contributing factor to school fires

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has sought to clear his Ministry from blame over the increasing cases of school unrest.

While appearing before the Senate Committee on Education, Matiang’i said that claims that the increased arson cases in schools are due to extension of term dates are far-fetched since the unrest began adding that they consulted widely on the changes further attributing the cases to poor management.

The CS, who was also presenting a report on the possible causes of the current unrest in schools where dormitories and other school property have been torched in more than 100 institutions, highlighted substance abuse as another cause of the unrest being witnessed.

Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale put the Minister on the spot over his impromptu visits to schools but the CS said that he did not need permission to do his work insisting that it is not a crime and he will continue to do so.

The CS further said that the government will not use any money to repair the schools further adding that the CDF money should not be used as well and instead proposed that the parents take responsibility and have conversations with their children.

Matiang’i also said there is need for the Judiciary to punish the rogue students behind torching of schools.

In his report, a total of 15 counties have been affected with Kisii county taking the lead followed by Nakuru and Kiambu counties.

Matiang’i has moved to assure that all the arson cases will be thoroughly investigated and culprits prosecuted including teachers who will be found having been involved to avert future occurrence.

Matiang’i says that so far,  68 schools have been torched this year.