Retired principal calls for installation of CCTV cameras in schools

A former principal has stressed the need for the government to invest in CCTV cameras in order to arrest the growing threats of insecurity in learning institutions.

Mr Gabriel Mwangangi, who is former principal of Tala Girls Secondary School, said technology is capable of addressing the numerous security gaps occasioned by a shift in generational behaviour of learners.

"The Government must now appreciate that we are dealing with a totally different generation in a complex modern environment that requires far reaching adjustments in technology-driven management," Mr Mwangangi said.

He said so even as he exuded confidence that security apparatus in the country are able to investigate such incidents in schools.

His call comes a few days after the fire tragedy at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County claimed the lives of 21 pupils. The victims perished in a dormitory fire that started on Thursday night.

According to Mr Mwangangi, the installation of CCTV cameras will reduce significantly cases of burning down of dormitories.

In some previous fire incidents, some mischievous learners were found calpable.

Mr Mwangangi said when CCTV cameras are there, it is easier to monitor learners, academic and non-academic staff, as well as the general happenings within the learning institutions.

This will make it very difficult for any mischief.

He said that parents are always worried over the safety and wellbeing of their children since the cases of arson in schools started.

"The CCTV cameras will help the teachers to know which learner is doing what at any given moment and what they may be planning. This will deter them from breaking school rules and regulations," Mr Mwangangi said on Saturday at Kamwanyani Primary School ground in Kangundo Sub-County during the pre-wedding ceremony of his daughter Ms Theresia Mwangangi.

He also sent condolences to the families of young children who lost their lives at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County.

"I'm deeply saddened by the loss of young children who could become leaders of tomorrow… May God give their parents the peace that they seek during this difficult moment," he said.

On Friday detectives from the homicide unit of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) camped at Endarasha Hillside Academy to comb through the rubble as they investigated the cause of the deadly fire.

Several schools across the country have so far closed recently due to cases of burning down of dormitories.