Kenya Red Cross Society has called for the urgent installation of smoke detectors in all school dormitories following a rise in fire incidents affecting learning institutions across the country.

Speaking during an interview on a local radio station on Friday, May 29, 2026, Kenya Red Cross Emergency Response Manager Anthony Muchiri revealed that the organisation has responded to more than 40 school fire incidents in the Coast region alone since January.

Muchiri said schools must prioritise affordable fire detection systems capable of alerting learners and teachers early enough before fires spread.

“The call around smoke detectors comes within so many parameters, connectivity, very cheap cost element and just reliability that everyone can fix them. It will save a lot,” Muchiri stated.

He added that survival during fire outbreaks largely depends on preparedness, quick response and proper safety measures within school buildings.

“When you look at fire like any other incident, what do you need to survive fire? You just need to learn how to combat fire and if it is big, just take off. All building codes speak one thing, safety of the user,” he added.

School fire incidents raise alarm

The latest warning comes amid growing national concern over repeated dormitory fires that continue to expose gaps in school safety standards and emergency preparedness.

Recent tragedies, including the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in schools.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi on Thursday urged the government to urgently review fire safety measures in learning institutions following the tragedy.

“As a nation, we must not only mourn but also urgently re-examine the safety of our learning institutions to ensure that our children are always secure and protected,” Muturi stated.

Pressure mounts for safety reforms

Education stakeholders and safety experts are now pushing for regular inspections, proper firefighting equipment, emergency exits and mandatory installation of smoke detectors in boarding schools.

Analysts warn that despite previous investigations and recommendations following past dormitory fires, enforcement of school safety standards has remained inconsistent.

The Red Cross maintained that investing in early fire detection systems and emergency preparedness could significantly reduce casualties and help prevent future tragedies in schools across the country.