A tragic fire at a school dormitory in central Kenya has claimed the lives of 17 students and severely injured 13 others, according to police reports released Friday. Concerns remain that the death toll may increase.
The incident occurred at Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri county, where approximately 800 pupils, aged between five and 12, are enrolled. The average age of the victims is reported to be around nine years old.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango stated, “We are investigating the cause and will take necessary action.” She also noted that the “bodies recovered at the scene were burnt beyond recognition.”
The blaze, which erupted around midnight, quickly consumed the dormitory while the students were asleep.
The Kenyan Red Cross has been aiding a multi-agency response team on site and is providing “psychosocial support services to the pupils, teachers, and affected families.”
President William Ruto described the news as “devastating” and promised that those responsible will face consequences. “I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account,” he posted on X.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on school administrators to ensure adherence to safety guidelines set by the education ministry for boarding schools.
Fires in Kenyan boarding schools are not uncommon, with some ignited by students protesting over their conditions or workload. In 2017, a similar incident in Nairobi resulted in the deaths of 10 high school students.
