Kenya school dormitory fires: Is there a solution?

School dormitory fires in Kenya are often caused by overcrowding, faulty wiring, restricted exits, inadequate fire safety equipment, and, at times, arson by students protesting strict rules or poor conditions. These incidentshave resulted in significant loss of life and exposed systemic safety failures. Experts recommend that prevention requires strict enforcement of safety standards through regular inspections, safe wiring, accessible evacuation routes, and functional alarms and extinguishers. Schools should eliminate dangerous practices such as locking dormitory doors at night, reduce overcrowding, improve student welfare and grievance procedures, provide fire response training for staff and students, and ensure rapid emergency access for local authorities.