Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed the immediate dissolution of the Utumishi Girls Academy school’s Board of Management.
Addressing the press on Friday, May 29, the CS accused the school administration of failing to adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
Ogamba disclosed that there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.
He also revealed that two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners, but the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson.
“Consequently, the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” Ogamba directed.
Besides dissolving the board of management, Ogamba also directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take immediate disciplinary action against the school principal.
At the same time, the two teachers who failed to take action despite having been informed of the planned unrest will also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
Ogamba also announced that investigations are ongoing to establish other aspects of negligence by officers from the Ministry of Education and TSC.
“Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against officers found to have been negligent in their duties. We shall provide further information in due course as investigations progress,” he stated.
While providing the update, the CS attributed the tragic incident to an arson attack, maintaining that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently holding and questioning 8 learners linked to the fire.
