Towards Enhancing Safety Status of Dormitories in Learning Institutions

Abstract

Despite global advances in technology, boarding schools still face the singular challenge of having dormitories that are unconducive and non-compliant to safety measures and standards, consequently continuously exposing learners to hazardous learning environments. The gist of this study was to examine the safety status of dormitories in public secondary schools in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to establish the extent of compliance with safety measures and standards in the dormitory infrastructures in boarding schools, and to determine the status of utilization and conduciveness of the dormitories in boarding schools. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected using questionnaires administered to 34 principals, 34 Deputy Principals, and 230 Form two and Form three students. The County Quality Assurance and Standard Officer (CQASO) was interviewed. Observation of the dormitories was also done by the researchers. The data collected were then analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study found out that there was congestion, poor ventilation, triple deckers were used, fire extinguishers were lacking or were not operating and that cleanliness was wanting. The study concludes that most of the issues on dormitory safety on the schools under study stemmed from inadequate resources and failure to observe the Ministry of Education Safety Guidelines. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education Safety Guidelines in reference to dormitories be observed in order to enhance effective learning processes in secondary schools in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties. Keywords: Dormitories, Safety Status, Hazardous learning environments DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-13-08 Publication date: May 31 st 2022