Schools risking lives of learners by employing unqualified nurses- parents association

During an interview with Vuuka Fm, the outspoken leader urged the government to act quickly and form a task force to investigate the qualifications of all non-teaching staff in schools to ensure students learn in a safe environment.

The sentiments come after two students from The Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls in Kakamega County died of hygiene-related diseases, with hundreds admitted just moments before the school was closed indefinitely.

The government linked the disease outbreak at the school to the contamination of water.

In less than a week, Butere Boys High School in the same county was also closed due to a disease outbreak, which is now being investigated after students complained of severe stomach ache and diarrhoea.

In response to the closure of the two schools, Obuhatsa says that the incidents are a reflection of poor sanitation in schools, and that stakeholders must devise strategies to prevent future tragedies.

"The government should come up with a task force immediately, the team should visit schools and ascertain the qualifications of nurses and check on the state of infrastructure in the schools as far as the Safety of students is concerned," said Obushatsa.

The association chairperson has also proposed that a clinic be established in each school so that students can receive First Aid and other services before it is too late.

He claims that the number of deaths reported in schools due to illness could be reduced if schools had clinics that could attend to minor issues confronting students, citing the fact that most schools are located far from hospitals, putting students' lives at risk.

"There should be trained nurses in those clinics, they should also be in a position to inspect the food bought by schools, taste them before the students are allowed to partake of the meals, and the cooks should also be vetted to avoid quacks in the kitchen, "he said.

The chairperson has also chastised Ministry of Education quality and assurance officers for failing to conduct follow-ups and ensure schools adhere to the Ministry's safety and hygiene standards.

He has also warned school administrators against sending students home without informing their parents or failing to notify parents when a student becomes ill on time.