Building Disaster Resilient Schools

Abstract

Safe schools, quality of education and training services are major concerns in Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint. This study aimed at assessing of the fire mitigation programs in secondary schools in Machakos County. The study had three specific objectives: (i) To determine fire mitigation measures implemented in secondary schools in Machakos County, Kenya; (ii) To assess the adequacy of fire mitigation actions in secondary schools in Machakos County, Kenya, and; (iii) To find out challenges and opportunities of fire mitigation practices in secondary schools in Machakos County, Kenya. The study collected data from a simple random sample of 173 teachers selected from a systematic random sample of 11 schools that had previously experienced fire disasters using a semi-structured questionnaire, and 81 key informants selected from among school principals, dormitory masters and matrons, school security personnel, building professionals, firemen, education officials, BOM Officials, PTA Officials and student leaders informant interview schedule. The study used an observation schedule to capture data on the extent to which schools had implemented mitigations actions. Collected data were entered into SPSS version 24 and quantitative data analysis done to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to the study objectives. The study findings show that schools implemented fire mitigations to different degrees, a wide range of fire mitigation measures including installation of fire equipment and use of sound engineering measures in buildings. Key informant interview data showed that none of the sample schools had, at the time of the study, fully conformed to the government requirements (see appendix VI) on fire mitigation. Further, the study revealed that challenges such as poor financial funding and inadequate training on fire emergencies greatly hinder efforts to build fire resilient schools. However, during KII sessions, the study noted that the schools could mobilize more financial resources towards mitigation through consultations with stakeholders. The study concluded that though all the sample schools had implemented a raft of fire mitigation measures, these mitigation measures were still largely inadequate and hence the need for improvement. The study recommended that fire resilient schools in Machakos County may only become a reality with the requisite support of stakeholders.