Mylee Staicey defends Utumishi school setting up CCTV in female student dorms

Content creator and influencer Mylee Staicey has joined the ongoing conversation surrounding the use of CCTV cameras at Utumishi Girls Academy following the tragic dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.

The debate gained momentum after surveillance footage emerged as a crucial part of investigations into the incident. While many Kenyans acknowledged the role the recordings have played in helping authorities piece together events and identify suspects, others questioned whether cameras should be installed near student dormitories.

Addressing the concerns through her Instagram Stories, Mylee defended the school’s decision to use surveillance cameras, arguing that they were positioned in public spaces rather than private areas.

“Guys, the CCTV cameras were clearly installed along the corridor and common area. They were not hidden. They were there for security and accountability,” she wrote.

Her comments came amid growing discussions online about how schools can balance student safety with privacy rights.

CCTV Footage Key to Investigations

Investigators have reportedly relied heavily on CCTV footage obtained from the school to establish the sequence of events leading up to the fire that broke out in the early hours of May 28.

Authorities say the recordings have assisted detectives in identifying students suspected of involvement, with several learners already taken into custody as investigations continue.

The developments have also sparked a wider national discussion on the role of surveillance systems in boarding schools and other learning institutions.

Concerns Over Student Privacy

Despite the security benefits, some members of the public and human rights advocates have raised concerns about the presence of cameras near dormitories, arguing that boarding facilities serve as living spaces for minors and should offer a reasonable expectation of privacy.

However, legal experts have pointed out that surveillance in shared spaces such as corridors and hallways differs significantly from monitoring private areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing rooms.

Lawyer Willis Otieno recently noted that CCTV cameras installed in dormitory corridors are not necessarily problematic, provided institutions have proper safeguards, access controls, and data protection measures in place.

“Hallways are not private spaces,” he stated, adding that surveillance in common areas can help improve security, accountability, and emergency response efforts.

Other legal opinions have similarly suggested that cameras may be appropriate at dormitory entrances, perimeters, and public areas as long as schools comply with data protection laws and privacy regulations.

Broader Questions About School Safety

Beyond the CCTV debate, the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.

Education stakeholders have called for closer attention to issues such as dormitory design, emergency exits, fire preparedness, infrastructure, and overall student welfare.

For Mylee Staicey, however, the primary purpose of the cameras remains clear.

“They were there for security and accountability,” she maintained.