West Pokot leaders have urged schools to stop locking dormitories at night, saying the practice endangers learners during emergencies and fires.

The pattern of schools stained by smoke, panic and death is terrifying because the warning signs have always been but they carry on as usual until disaster strikes.

A deadly pattern of recurring school dormitory fires in Kenya, including the latest tragedy at Utumishi Girls, highlights long-standing failures in enforcing safety regulations.

West Pokot leaders have urged schools to stop locking dormitories at night, saying the practice endangers learners during emergencies and fires.

Education stakeholders have warned that widespread disregard for school safety regulations is putting learners at risk.