Edward Mbugua, founder of Utumishi Girls Senior School, has called for the government to end boarding schools following a deadly fire that killed 16 students.
Mbugua, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police, made the call while speaking at a requiem mass in Gilgil on Friday, June 12.
He urged the Ministry of Education to improve day schools so parents would not send children far from home. He suggested dormitories could be converted into training workshops.
Mbugua accepted blame for the tragedy and faulted the Board of Management for failing to complain about inadequate facilities. He also recommended ending single-sex schools.
Data from the Kenya Red Cross shows 47 school fire incidents since January 2026, with 187 people treated for injuries.
