A tragic incident unfolded at Mvita Comprehensive School in Mombasa County where a three-year-old boy, Abdinasir Abahaji, drowned in the school’s swimming pool on Friday evening.
The child’s family arrived at the facility around 4 p.m. to unwind after the school term but within an hour, Abdinasir lost his life in the pool. The family has raised concerns over the lack of essential safety measures at the site, including the absence of a professional lifeguard, warning signs, and clear depth demarcations.
Family spokesperson Abdulrahman Yusuf noted, "There were no safety signs or boundaries indicating the pool's depth. The area is dangerous, especially for children."
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the drowning. Mombasa County Education Executive Committee Member, Dr Mbwarali Kame, highlighted that this case is part of a worrying pattern of child drowning incidents during school holidays.
Dr Kame revealed that four children have died in similar incidents within the county, emphasizing the urgent need for swimming pool operators to comply with safety protocols. He called for coordinated directives from various departments, including education, environment, and security, to prevent further tragedies.
The Somali community in Mombasa also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation. Diriye Santur, Secretary General of the community, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct a comprehensive probe and provide full disclosure of the findings.
With the August school holidays approaching and an anticipated rise in local tourism, county officials have ordered audits of swimming pools across residential areas. Operators are being urged to strictly enforce safety standards to protect children and visitors.
