Tragic Blaze Claims Lives of 17 Students at Kenyan School Dormitory

In a devastating incident late Thursday night, a fire swept through the dormitory of Hillside Endarasha Academy, a private elementary school in Kieni, Nyeri County, central Kenya, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 students and injuries to 14 others. The blaze, which erupted around midnight, has left many of the victims’ bodies so badly burned that they are “beyond recognition,” according to Resila Onyango, a spokesperson for the Kenya National Police Service.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Onyango stated that investigators are still working to determine the origin and nature of the blaze, but there are no confirmed details about whether the fire has been fully extinguished. “We will update the public as soon as we have more information,” she said.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura provided additional details, revealing that more than 150 boys were present in the male dormitory when the fire broke out. The tragedy has drawn immediate and heartfelt responses from various officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto. In a statement posted on X, President Ruto described the incident as “devastating” and extended his condolences to the grieving families. He also assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will face accountability. The government is mobilizing resources to support the affected families during this tragic time.

In the aftermath of the fire, distraught parents have gathered at the school, anxiously awaiting news of their children as emergency services search for survivors and recover the deceased. The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved, providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families affected by the disaster. Their statement revealed that 11 children have been transported to local hospitals, while the area of the fire remains cordoned off by police.

The Kenya Red Cross, in collaboration with a multi-agency response team, has established a tracing desk at the school to assist in locating missing individuals and providing necessary support.

This tragic event highlights a troubling pattern of school fires in Kenya, where overcrowding and suspected arson have led to similar incidents in the past. For instance, in 2017, a fire at a boarding school in Nairobi resulted in the deaths of at least nine students. At that time, officials attributed the blaze to arson, reflecting a disturbing trend of deliberate school fires. Between 2015 and 2016, nearly 350 schools experienced fires, as reported by Reuters.

As investigations continue and more details emerge, this story remains under development. The community, along with national and local authorities, is grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, working to support the affected families and prevent future tragedies.