Lilian Nganga questions school trips safety after child drowning incident

Former Machakos County First Lady Lilian Nganga has raised concerns about the safety of school-organised trips following a tragic incident in which a young child drowned during a swimming session.

Speaking in an Instagram video on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Nganga urged parents and schools to reconsider safety measures and parental consent for such activities.

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She highlighted that accidents can happen at any time and stressed the importance of keeping children safe during school outings. “Accidents happen all the time, and we have kids. We always pray for God to keep our children safe,” she said, reflecting on the recent tragedy.

Parental choice and supervision

Nganga noted that activities like swimming for young learners, especially those aged six to eight in PP1, require strict supervision.

She questioned whether parents are given the option to opt their children out of high-risk trips, despite the appeal of socialising and fun for the kids.

“As a parent, do you get to choose? Can your child stay out of some of these trips? I know the kids want to go together to play and have fun, but as a parent, are you given the option to opt out?” she asked.

She also pointed out that while parents may trust schools, clear communication and safety measures are vital to avoid accidents.

Nganga emphasised that her comments aim to spark discussion about balancing fun, learning, and child safety during school activities.

Her sentiments come days after she called on schools to install surveillance cameras in classrooms and buses to boost safety and transparency.

Nganga urged parents to actively inspect school transport, ensure seat belts and safety measures are in place, and have access to dormitories, play areas, and other facilities.

She stressed that such steps are crucial to prevent accidents and hold schools accountable for children’s safety.