Nairobi, May 31 -- The recent tragedy at Utumishi Girls High School in Gilgil, where at least 16 students were tragically lost their lives and more than 70 others injured in a dormitory fire, is not only shocking but a painful reminder of why we must treat the safety of our students, in both day schools and boarding schools, with the seriousness it deserves.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities examining whether safety protocols were followed, it is time to rethink security as a whole. Tragedies such as this serve as a warning. A warning that it is high time, not just for school managements but for all of us to think about safety protocols and measures every day.

Protection of every individual in Ke...