NYERI: The Education Cabinet Secretary, along with several education authorities in Nyeri County, have been given a December 20 deadline to submit a Health and Safety report for Hillside Endarasha Academy. The directive follows a court order issued after the respondents failed to comply with previous court instructions regarding the safety standards at the school.
According to Kenya News Agency, Justice Kizito Magare issued new orders after it was revealed that the four respondents, including the Nyeri County Director of Education, the Nyeri County Education Board, the National Education Board, the Education Cabinet Secretary, and the Attorney General, did not fulfill the court’s previous directives from October 9 and October 17. The judge mandated that the respondents submit their reports by December 20, 2024, to ensure safety and health measures are in place at the academy.
The court case, initiated on October 7 by the Kenya Human Rights Commission, David Karani, and Elimu Bora Working Group, seeks a mand
atory injunction for a thorough inspection of the academy following a fire incident that resulted in the death of 21 students. The petitioners have raised concerns about the rushed reopening of the school without adequate safety measures and a comprehensive safety report.
In response, Justice Magare ordered a new inspection of the school’s electrical systems after findings that installation and testing were conducted simultaneously. Despite this, the school received temporary relief, allowing it to admit 114 students who are scheduled to take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams, pending a safety confirmation by Nyeri County Director of Education, Ms. Jane Njogu.
Legal representative for the school’s directors and Board of Management, Mr. Robert Kimunya, confirmed that the school is currently closed for the Third Term break, except for the KPSEA candidates who are present for exams occurring from October 28 to 30. The case is set to resume on December 20 for further court instructions
.