Press Statements

STATEMENT ON THE UTUMISHI GIRLS ACADEMY FIRE TRAGEDY

The Environment Institute of Kenya (EIK) joins all Kenyans in mourning and expressing profound sorrow following the devastating fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County. This tragic incident has reportedly claimed the innocent lives of several students, left many others injured, and some learners still unaccounted for according to reports. EIK expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, students, teachers, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We also wish a quick recovery to the learners and staff currently receiving medical treatment, trauma counselling, and psychosocial support. This unfortunate incident once again underscores the urgent need for strengthened compliance with environmental health, occupational safety, institutional risk management, and school facility safety standards across learning institutions in Kenya. In line with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the Children Act, 2022, which guarantee every child the right to education, dignity, safety, protection, and a clean and healthy environment, EIK calls upon all institutions and relevant authorities to prioritize learner safety, child protection, and institutional preparedness. EIK further commends the ongoing emergency response and child protection interventions being coordinated by government agencies, including the deployment of child protection officers and children services personnel on the ground to coordinate immediate interventions. These efforts include safeguarding affected learners, supporting family tracing and reunification, facilitating emergency child protection services, and establishing family support and information desks to assist parents and guardians. We also acknowledge the coordination of psychosocial support and trauma counselling services for survivors, bereaved families, teachers, and first responders to support emotional recovery and mental well-being.

STATEMENT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ENViS) – TRANSITION CHALLENGES AND IMPACTS ON THE EIA /EA PROCESS AS PER EMCA 2015.