A video showing students from Wanjohi Girls High School in Nyandarua County taking part in a fire emergency drill has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Kenyans praising the institution for prioritising student safety.
The clip, which has been making rounds on social media, captures learners calmly executing what appears to be a well-organised fire evacuation exercise.
In one of the most talked-about moments, girls are seen exiting through an upper-floor window before carefully descending to the ground using a specially designed metal escape structure.
The drill, believed to have been conducted as part of the school’s emergency preparedness programme, has drawn admiration from many netizens who described it as a practical approach to equipping students with life-saving skills.
While some social media users expressed concern over the seemingly risky nature of the evacuation method, others argued that such training could prove invaluable during real emergencies.
The video has emerged at a time when conversations surrounding safety in Kenyan boarding schools remain highly sensitive.
The country is still reeling from the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where 16 students lost their lives in an incident that shocked the nation.
Investigations into the tragedy reignited debate over fire safety measures, dormitory designs and the readiness of schools to respond to emergencies.
Against this backdrop, many parents and education stakeholders have been calling for schools to conduct regular evacuation drills and invest in better safety infrastructure.
Fire safety experts have consistently emphasised that preparedness can significantly reduce panic and save lives during disasters.
In the Wanjohi Girls video, the students appeared composed as they followed instructions, suggesting that the exercise may have been rehearsed beforehand.
The orderly manner in which the drill was conducted impressed many viewers, some of whom noted that such initiatives should become standard practice in all learning institutions.
“Every school should be doing this,” one social media user commented.
Another wrote, “At least these girls know what to do in case of a fire emergency. Preparedness is key.”
However, not everyone was convinced. A section of Kenyans questioned whether the escape methods used met accepted safety standards, arguing that schools should prioritise installing modern emergency exits and fire suppression systems.
The discussion has also highlighted the importance of adhering to the government’s Safety Standards Manual for Schools, which outlines guidelines on dormitory construction, emergency exits and evacuation procedures aimed at protecting learners during crises.
Reports indicate that the regulations discourage features that may hinder escape during emergencies and encourage institutions to develop effective response plans.
Despite the mixed reactions, many agreed on one point: emergency preparedness should never be taken lightly.
In a country that has witnessed several devastating school fires over the years, the Wanjohi Girls drill has served as a reminder that safety education can be just as important as academic instruction.
As the video continues to circulate online, it has prompted a broader national conversation on whether Kenyan schools are adequately prepared to handle emergencies, and what more can be done to ensure that students remain safe while pursuing their education.
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