DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY STANDARDS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Increase in disaster incidences have been witnessed in secondary schools in recent years, its frequency and impact hampering education process. For instance, besides loss of lives, and injuries, school properties have been damaged and closing and often with children having to leave school for long periods in recovery period. Continued occurrence and magnitude of disaster have prompted international organizations especially the United Nations agencies and other countries to come up with best practice models of institutions including training on disaster and disaster risk management. Despite the concerted efforts by the government of Kenya and other stakeholders in emphasizing preparedness, Kenya still experiences various disasters in schools. Majority of students in secondary schools are exposed to mishaps and accidents daily in schools. School authorities, parents and even students are jolted into actions only when a fatality or injury has occurred and this affects the response and mitigation level of these disasters and thus the need of the study. The general objective of the study is to assess disaster preparedness and safety standards in public secondary schools of Nairobi County, Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to: Establish the level of disaster preparedness in public secondary schools in Nairobi County; Determine the causes of vulnerability to disasters in public secondary schools in Nairobi County; Assess safety of physical infrastructure in public secondary schools in Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Target population of the study was 73 from which 13 schools were selected using random sampling. A sample size of 458 respondents was selected to participate in the study; 6 sub county quality assurance and standards officer, 3 officials from the Kenya Red Cross, 3 from St. Johns Ambulance, 3 fire department officials, 1 official from department of disaster management, 13 teachers in charge of quality assurance and standards from sampled schools, 13 head teachers,13 board of management members, 13 parent association members, 6 officers commanding station and 384 students. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussions and observation checklist. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages. The findings were presented in tables and figures. The findings revealed a lack of training and inadequate community awareness on disaster preparedness and safety standards. Inadequate funds and lack of clear policies were some of the factors causing the schools vulnerability to disasters. The physical infrastructures in schools were poorly maintained. Dormitories and classes were overcrowded. The study concluded that the schools were insufficiently prepared for disasters and most of the physical infrastructures were considered unsafe. The study recommended regular inspection of school infrastructure, safety training by qualified by qualified personnel and taking into consideration the ability and capacity of different schools when settings standards for disaster preparedness and safety.