Lawmakers express unease as parliament welcomes more than 10,000 students in a week's time
High School Students Flood Kenya's Parliament, Raising Safety Concerns
Over 10,000 high school students from 200 schools visited Kenya's Parliament between Tuesday and Thursday, marking a surge in student visits during the holiday season coinciding with the House sitting. This influx, however, has sparked concerns about safety and management, with calls for stricter child protection measures, staggered visits, and the availability of health facilities during these visits.
Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo expressed her concerns about the high number of student visits, advocating for visits to be staggered to ensure a meaningful experience for students. Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, in a letter to the Speaker, suggested the need for a health facility and emergency services within Parliament to address potential health emergencies during these visits.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula acknowledged the high number of student visits and stated that Parliament is an open space for Kenyans. He believes that by allowing students to visit, they witness firsthand that Parliament is here to serve the people. Wetang'ula also believes that such programs are essential in nurturing the next generation of leaders who understand democracy. He emphasised that confidence in institutions is earned through experiences like student visits to Parliament.
In light of these concerns, it's crucial to implement safety practices consistent with national child safety and public event protocols. Institutions responsible for student safety, including schools and officials organising visits, are urged to uphold stringent safety standards to protect learners during outings. This includes supervision protocols to prevent accidents and ensure children are under adequate care at all times.
Staggering groups of students for visits helps control crowd sizes, thereby improving supervision and facilitating better security checks. Enhanced security measures such as deployment of police, CCTV surveillance, and well-planned entry/exit systems enhance visitor safety at major public venues including Parliament.
It's essential to have medical support readily accessible during visits to manage any emergencies like injuries or sudden illnesses. Transport arrangements for student groups visiting Parliament should comply with transport safety norms to minimise risks during transit.
In conclusion, managing high school visits to Kenya’s Parliament safely involves organised scheduling for staggered arrivals, close child protection oversight, accessible health and emergency services, stringent security arrangements, and responsible transport management—all aligning with Kenya’s wider safety policies in schools and public gatherings.
In the context of high school students visiting Kenya's Parliament, it's advisable to prioritize child protection measures and establish a health facility with emergency services within the Parliament premises. Additionally, to ensure safety, it's beneficial to implement staggered visit schedules, and enhance security arrangements such as police presence, CCTV surveillance, and well-planned entry/exit systems. Furthermore, transport arrangements for student groups should adhere to safety norms during transit.
