Kenya's Ministry of Education has commissioned an inquiry into the drowning death of a three-year-old pupil at Gilgil Hills Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County. The incident happened on Friday, March 27, sparking family confrontation with school staff over conflicting accounts. The ministry has also directed school heads to enforce safety protocols.
The Ministry of Education issued a statement on Sunday, March 29, announcing it has begun an inquiry with relevant agencies into the circumstances of the incident. "The Ministry, working together with the relevant investigative agencies, has commissioned an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident, for appropriate action," the ministry stated.
The pupil's family confronted teachers, demanding explanations for events before and after the child's death while in the school's custody. A family friend recounted: "The first call we received was from the class teacher. He told us that the child had been rushed to the hospital and that he was sick. He had a fever."
Autopsy reports indicate the pupil died from a lack of oxygen, possibly due to drowning. The family rejected these findings, claiming they contradict the school's information. Another added: "How did the child end up in the fishpond? I asked him, if you were the one who rescued him in this water, or principal, from which side you rescued him from? he never gave me answers."
The child has been buried, but the family continues to seek answers from school management. The ministry ordered heads of public and private institutions to strictly implement school safety protocols to ensure learners' safety.