Parents in Nairobi Lobby for Improved School Safety Measures

A growing coalition of parents in Nairobi is pressing for stronger safety protections in schools, citing road hazards, infrastructure risks, and the need for greater accountability from administrators. The call comes as a petition backed by parents, legal experts, and civil society demands a new School Safety and Security Act to ensure adequate safety compliance in schools.
Among the key concerns is the safety of learners commuting to and from school. Parents and advocacy groups have welcomed a new road-safety campaign called Safe and Healthy Journeys to School, launched in partnership with the FIA Foundation, AA Kenya, ASIRT, and AMEND, which is providing zebra crossings, pedestrian walkways, and speed-reduction measures around school zones. In many urban neighbourhoods, parents say children navigate busy roads on their own, exposing them to significant risk.
Beyond transport, parents are calling for legal accountability where schools neglect basic safety standards. The proposed Safety Act would mandate regular fire-safety audits, installation of fire alarms and extinguishers, functional emergency exits, and documented safety drills. Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has urged school heads to boost supervision, promote student welfare, and ensure that institutional safety remains a high priority.
If adopted, the reforms could usher in a new era of student protection in Nairobi schools. Parents involved in the campaign hope their pressure will lead to stronger enforcement, regular inspections, and greater collaboration between the education sector, government agencies, and civil society. They argue that safety should no longer be an afterthought but a fundamental part of school planning and administration.