The Institution of Engineers in Kenya now wants the person tasked with the construction of Precious Talent Top School arrested and charged with what they call criminal negligence.
Speaking at the scene of the Monday morning incident that has since resulted in the death of 7 pupils and scores more injured, the professionals have cast aspersions on the quality of the classrooms.
Engineer Nathaniel Matalanga- Secretary of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya said the collapsed building was made from steel meant for chicken cages, and therefore it could not withstand the weight of the pupils.
The engineer added that the quality of the build could not even pass for the construction of a latrine in the village.
On his part, Chairman of the Kenya National Buildings Inspectorate Moses Nyakiongora revealed that the building was a death-trap and that the inspectorate had been focussing on highrise residential buildings in the city.
“This is the first incident of its kind in a school, and the Government’s investigative agencies will look into it and give a detailed report concerning the quality and the cause of the collapse,” Nyakiongora stated.
Nyakiongora told members of the press that the contractor who supervised construction of the ill-fated building was a “murderer” given the quality of the materials used.
He added that the inspectorate had so far evaluated some 14,000 buildings in the city, with 10,500 being flagged. Out of those flagged, some 750 were earmarked for demolition.
Nyakiongora mentioned that some of the flagged buildings lacked proper ventilation, enough fire detection equipment and exits while some needed a bit of reinforcement and a few touch-ups.
In his earlier report, Nyakiongora had recommended that Huruma Estate be flattened and re-built again, citing structural flaws in the planning and quality of the buildings in the area.
Some 7 pupils are reported to have died from the school tragedy with over 60 others injured and admitted to various hospitals across the country.
Kenyatta National Hospital Acting CEO Dr Kamuri said some 64 pupils were admitted at the facility, with two of them being in critical condition. One of the two, a boy, is said to have suffered injuries to his lungs and kidneys, while the girl is said to have sustained minor soft tissue injuries.
Education CS George Magoha said the pupils will have to rest for four days until next Monday, a period within which the government will carry out investigations.