State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has underscored the importance of leveraging technology to enhance security in various institutions, including learning institutions, hospitals and business premises.
Speaking on the Utumishi Girls Academy fire incident at Borangi SDA Senior School in Nyamache Sub County, Kisii County, PS Isaboke called for utilisation of internet including the government free Wi-Fi to secure infrastructure and other premises.
“The deployment of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in learning institutions would help curb cases of unrest, including the recent fire incident reported at Utumishi Girls and other schools across the country,” said Isaboke.
He noted the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader Digital Superhighway agenda, which seeks to enhance the integration of technology in public institutions.
The PS reiterated the government’s commitment of laying 100,000 kilometers of high-speed fibre optic cables across the country by 2027, noting that they had already covered 45,000 kilometres.
Isaboke encouraged the residents to utilize the digital facilities for productive activities and avoid using the internet as a tool for spreading misinformation and committing cybercrime.
This comes after 16 students lost their lives and another 79 suffered injuries of various degrees, raising debate on schools’ compliance with the School Safety Manual by the Ministry of Education.
PS Isaboke was presiding over the school’s Education Day where last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates were awarded for exemplary performance.
He also called on learners to build strong character and support one another, stressing resilience in the face of challenges.
“It is also important to build strong character, respect your teachers, support one another, and stay focused on your goals despite challenges,” the PS added, noting that success is achieved through persistence rather than instant results.
Further, Isaboke encouraged the students to maintain high discipline standards and nurture talent to ensure the school continues to be a model of excellence and every student discovers their potential.
The Principal Secretary later inspected the progress of the construction works at Kionyo Health Centre in Masige East ward in the same Sub-County.
Once complete, the upgraded facility is expected to transform it into a fully-fledged health centre capable of offering inpatient services alongside a wider range of essential healthcare services, thereby expanding healthcare access for residents in the area.
