- The fire killed at least 17 student deaths and 13 serious injuries
- The dormitory's wooden construction contributed to the rapid spread of the fire
- Rescue efforts were delayed due to muddy roads from ongoing rains
A devastating fire at a school dormitory in Kenya has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 students, with 13 others sustaining severe burns, according to police reports on Friday.
There are concerns that the death toll might increase as the situation develops.
The blaze erupted late Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, which accommodates children up to age 14.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, as stated by police spokesperson Resila Onyango.
The dormitory, which housed over 150 boys aged 10 to 14, was built primarily from wooden planks, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly. The school, located 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Nairobi in Kenya’s central highlands, is home to 824 students.
Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu and the education ministry noted that rescue operations were hindered by muddy roads due to ongoing rains. Parents, anxiously waiting for news of their children, were met with grief as they gathered at the school.
President William Ruto expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident, urging a thorough investigation and promising that those responsible will be held accountable. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has called on school administrators to ensure adherence to the education ministry’s safety guidelines for boarding schools.
School fires are a recurring issue in Kenyan boarding schools, often attributed to arson, drug abuse, and overcrowding. Past incidents include a 2017 fire in Nairobi that killed 10 high school students and the deadliest fire in 2001, which claimed 67 lives in Machakos County.
The education ministry’s guidelines mandate that dormitories be spacious, with emergency exits and fire safety equipment readily available to prevent such tragedies.
