Investors in the real estate sector in Athi River Sub-County have been told to include emergency exits in buildings to reduce risks in case of emergencies.
Addressing the press in his office on Wednesday, area senior assistant commissioner Phylip Lemalasia, said it was high time all structures in the sub-county had emergency doors.
"All investors in the housing industry should be cautious of eventualities and design structures with emergency exits to minimise risks in case of emergencies," said Lemalasia.
Lemalasia said it is painful and unfortunate to see school children perishing in boarding schools as the public also die whenever disasters strike in their residences.
According to him, all structures whether in schools, churches, homes, commercial or residential houses should be safe zones for members of the public.
Lemalasia said the buildings should be constructed in a manner that people are capable to easily and safely escape when disaster occurs.
He observed that over protection of structures with strong metal bars and grills including burglar-proof materials is ideal for protection from thieves but dangerous during emergencies.
The commissioner said the construction of houses in the region should also allow for quick and safe evacuation of victims during emergencies.
He called on boarding school directors and head teachers from the sub-county to desist from locking doors of dormitories and classrooms from outside whenever the children were either inside sleeping or studying.
Lemalasia, however, urged residents to be careful while using fire gadgets or other materials prone to explosion as a measure of eliminating fire outbreaks.