School-based factors influencing the implementation of fire safety standards in public secondary schools in kenyenya district, Kisii county

Abstract

School safety is an important aspect in the provision of quality education. School fires affect the provision of quality education. Cases of fires in Kenyan schools have been increasing with frequency and severity inspite of the published Fire Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya (2008) which serves as a blueprint for enhancing the safety of all schools in the Republic. Each school Board of Management was to form a subcommittee on school safety which has the direct responsibility of overseeing school safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the school-based factors influencing the implementation of fire safety standards in Public Secondary Schools in Kenyenya District, Kisii County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine how financial resources, fire safety training, inspection by QASOs, and fire safety planning influence the implementation of fire safety standards in schools. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to explore how the above school-based factors influence the implementation of fire safety standards in schools. To achieve the above objectives the study used a sample of twenty five (25) public secondary schools. Their stratified sample sizes comprised of 20 day schools and 5 boarding schools. Respondents were 25 principals, 25 deputy principals, 175 HODs and the DQASO. Data was collected through questionnaires, interview guide and observation checklist. Validity of research instruments was determined by conducting a pilot study before the actual study. Reliability of instruments was determined by use of test-retest method. Data was quantified using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages and findings presented in charts, tables and graphs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. A regression analysis revealed that there exist a positive relationship between the implementation of fire safety standards and the school based factors namely financial resource, training, inspection and planning. The study thus concluded that school financial resources, training of school stakeholders, frequency of school fire safety by QASOs and school fire safety planning influence implementation of fire safety standards in schools. Based on the study findings and analysis and conclusions, the study recommends that schools should diversify and source for more funds for fire safety management. Again the study recommends the government and other stakeholders provide adequate funding for fire safety management. The study also recommends training of all stakeholders on fire safety for a sound proactive response to fire tragedies. Teachers and support staff should be trained how to handle fire safety equipment, initiate emergency evacuations and protect students in the event of fire by the fire and rescue department. The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Education should employ more QASOs, train and equip them as to enhance their school fire safety inspection functions to enforce compliance to fire safety standards in schools. Finally the study recommends the formulation of fire safety plans as they increase accurate response to fire. The study suggests further study to be done on the influence of community based factors, school leadership style, and challenges facing the implementation of fire safety standards in schools.