Kenya's teachers bear unfair blame after school tragedies like Utumishi Academy

In Kenya, teachers often face immediate blame when school tragedies occur. This trend has made them frequent targets before investigations even begin. The recent incident at Utumishi Academy has reignited debates about accountability in such cases. Historically, probes into school disasters reveal deeper institutional failures rather than individual negligence. Experts point to frameworks like the Swiss Cheese Model, which highlights how multiple systemic weaknesses align to cause accidents, not just one person’s error. Sociologist Stanley Cohen’s theory of moral panic also explains why teachers, as visible figures, are often blamed during public fear and uncertainty.

Teachers are trained to educate and mentor, not to predict or prevent every possible threat. Effective school safety, therefore, requires a whole-school approach involving all stakeholders, from administrators to policymakers. Accountability must start with evidence, examining systems before assigning blame. The response to the Utumishi Academy tragedy should prioritise truth over outrage. Kenya must ask tougher questions about support systems, resources, and policy gaps. Only then can lasting solutions be found to prevent future incidents.