The deadly fire at Utumishi Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students has continued to spark difficult conversations across Kenya.
While investigations into the tragedy are still ongoing, attention has increasingly shifted to another issue that many parents, educators, and legal experts are now debating: whether schools should be allowed to install CCTV cameras inside student dormitories.
The discussion gained momentum after reports indicated that CCTV footage from the school played a significant role in helping investigators piece together events leading up to the fire.
Authorities believe the recordings provided valuable information about movements within the dormitory before the incident, making them an important part of the investigation.
For some Kenyans, this has strengthened the argument that surveillance cameras can improve security in schools and assist authorities when incidents occur. Supporters believe that cameras can help uncover the truth, deter misconduct, and provide evidence when accidents or crimes take place.
However, others have raised concerns about the presence of cameras in spaces where students sleep, rest, and carry out personal daily activities.
They argue that while safety is important, children also have a right to privacy that should not be overlooked.
The debate touches on both legal and ethical questions. Although Kenyan law does not specifically prohibit schools from installing CCTV systems, several laws and constitutional protections guide how surveillance should be used.
Article 31 of the Constitution protects the right to privacy, while the Data Protection Act regulates how personal information, including images and video recordings, is collected, stored, and used.
Children’s law specialist Achayo Baraka says the issue becomes more complex because dormitories are not ordinary school spaces. According to her, dormitories function as private living areas where students sleep, rest, change clothes, and carry out personal routines.
She notes that while schools have a responsibility to protect learners, they must also respect their dignity and privacy. Any surveillance system installed in such sensitive environments should be properly justified, proportionate, and compliant with data protection laws.
Achayo further emphasizes the importance of transparency. She says schools should clearly inform both parents and students about the presence of cameras, their purpose, and how recorded footage will be handled.
Another major concern involves data management. Questions remain about who can access CCTV recordings, how long they are stored, and under what circumstances they can be reviewed.