Author
Reference
Benard.,
L., (2015): Strengthening Security in Kenyan Schools. Intel Fire Group
Blog. Nairobi, Kenya.
Strengthening Security in Kenyan Schools
The pressure that has befallen Kenyan
institutions of learning in terms of security is real and changing. This was
brought to test by reports of a stampede in a Kenyan University leading to the
death of one student after a terror attack scare caused by an exploding
transformer at the institution. This affirms the fear of terrorism attack and
is a replica in most Kenyan institutions and from this one incident coming
after the Garissa attack, it is evident that the institutions and the students
require urgent measures in place to strengthen the security procedures.
When such incidences of terrorism occur,
the affected areas are in panic and the fear spread fast and most institutions
are tempted to look for quick fix and may even review their standard procedures
but this will only be for a while before everything security is forgotten.
Research has shown that the best way to enforce a law is by ensuring its enculturation to the target community. The
Kenyan schools should therefore strengthen their security through enculturation
of the following security strategies:
1. Training Teachers and Support Staff
The number one requirement for every
school in combating terrorism is training its immediate staff members as these
are the first responders to any emergencies on the ground. These are not to be
trained to be experts but are important components in suppression or reducing
the extent of damage caused due to a threat. The personnel will be able to
maintain a high level of awareness especially in determining “suspicious activities,
persons and even packages.
It is of great importance to train the
hostel attendants, grounds men and maintenance personnel on identification
and handling of suspicious persons, packages and items found within the
institution.
2. Proactive Visitors Access and Control
What has been witnessed in Kenya when a
terrorism activity occur is reactive measure which incorporates a heightened
security checks in major public places but this is only for a while, soon this
is forgotten and the security laxity sets in until another major incident is reported.
Institutions of learning, universities a like, should ensure that the institution
visitors access and control is proactive and not reactive. The number of entry
points accessible from outside should be reduced to one designated point to
enable in standard screening and control from one main front. At this point the
institution should put in place security technologies and devices for
monitoring and controlling interior facilities access and this must be installed
following a guideline by a professional security assessment auditor.
3. Instituting All – Inclusive Random Inspection
Inspections in institutions of learning
in Kenya is not a new thing, the only news is that it is not done at the
institutions of higher learning. As part of security strategy, it is prudent to
institute an inspection system that involves the student leaders so that the
method and execution of the process is fully owned by these ‘adult
learners’. It should be noted that every
major terrorist attack has been preceded by months and even years of
surveillance. According to tradestone group on ten security procedures that will help to deter or mitigate terror
attacks, the initial surveillance is usually conducted by amateurs and
unwitting accomplices who may include students within the institution of higher
learning who are either paid to take photographs, provide facility description
or other information as of benefit to the terrorists. Some may also use the
accomplices’ rooms and hostels within the institution in planning and
harbouring weapons for the attack. It is in this essence that inspection is
essential and especially impromptu inspections.
4. Ensuring Security is a Responsibility of all Students
The President of the Republic of Kenya
has stated in many of his state of the nation address that ‘Security starts with you’ a general public security strategy that
has worked in many Scandinavian countries. The bigger concept of security
starting with you is the “Nyumba Kumi
Initiative” which is a replica of the Ujamaa
concept in Tanzania which brought people together for the greater community
good. So the big question is how should the institution administration ensure
that security is a responsibility of all students? For the institutions of
higher learning it is reasonably easy as the students in most instances are
housed within the institution and each hostel has a hostel representative whose
mandate among others is ensuring the safe well-being of the hall’s residents.
Security can, and I must say can, only
be a responsibility of the students again if they own the process. If given as
a directive by the institution’s administration would only mean an
authoritarian directive that will not be embraced. The institution should put
in place a media campaign once in a while on the sensitization of the benefits
of taking personal security and the security of the other students seriously.
These campaigns can be placed at common places like students notice boards, attached
to official communications and also targeting social media platform where most
students are ardent followers. The main aim should be to ensure that security
becomes a culture practiced at the institution rather an administrative rule within
the institution.
5. Developing a Crisis Preparedness Guideline
In the event of a major threat as a
result of terrorism it is in the best interest of the institution to have a
guideline on best practice both for the students and staff. There should be
particular procedures for handling suspected bombs, bomb threats, hostage
situations, kidnappings, and how related information should be reviewed. These guidelines should be drawn by a
professional in security and disaster preparedness and made available to the
students in an easy to comprehend and understand to enhance remembrance during
emergencies.
In conclusion, terrorism is now a real
threat in Kenyan society and it has instilled fear in most institutions and its
combat should both be physical and in the minds of Kenyans. The students form a
larger youth population and their minds are fragile therefore every measure
should be put in place to ensure that the war on terror is won in the minds so
that the government wins the physical fight. This might not be a logical
argument as terror comes with fear but as the famous saying goes “Nchi ni wewe”(Country is you) so should
students stay together for students are the school, and a school without
students is but a building of different rooms.
The Author is a Research Generalist in Projects Management Specializing
in Fire Service Delivery
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