A tragic fire in a school dormitory in Kenya has resulted in the deaths of 17 students, with 13 others suffering severe burns. Police officials warn that the death toll may rise.
The cause of the fire, which occurred Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, is currently under investigation.
The school caters to children up to the age of 14.
Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu and the education ministry reported that the dormitory, which housed over 150 boys aged 10 to 14, was constructed with wooden planks, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.
The school, with an enrollment of 824 students, is located in the central highlands of Kenya, 200 kilometers north of the capital, Nairobi. Wooden structures are common in the region.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the muddy roads caused by ongoing rains in the area, according to Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Anxious parents, unable to locate their children among the survivors, waited at the school, overwhelmed with grief.
President William Ruto expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged school administrators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry for boarding schools.
School fires are a recurring issue in Kenyan boarding schools, often attributed to arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding.
Many students choose to board at school to avoid long commutes and focus on their studies.
Some fires have been intentionally started by students during protests against workload or living conditions. In 2017, 10 high school students perished in a fire set by a student in Nairobi.
The deadliest school fire in Kenya occurred in 2001 when 67 students lost their lives in a dormitory fire in Machakos County.
The education ministry’s guidelines emphasize the importance of spacious dormitories with multiple exits, emergency doors, and ungrilled windows for escape in case of fire.
Adequate fire extinguishers and alarms should be readily accessible. Sources and related content
