NAIROBI, Kenya — A devastating fire at a school dormitory in Nyeri County, Kenya, has resulted in the tragic deaths of 18 students and left 27 others hospitalized, with 70 children still unaccounted for, according to the country’s deputy president. The fire, which occurred on Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, has prompted President William Ruto to declare three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reported that only 86 of the more than 150 children housed in the dormitory had been accounted for. He urged community members who might have sheltered any of the missing children to come forward. An additional student has died in the hospital, and 37 pupils have been reunited with their families.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by police spokesperson Resila Onyango. The dormitory, which housed boys aged 10 to 14, was constructed from wooden planks, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. The school, located 200 kilometers north of Nairobi in the central highlands, serves a total of 824 students.
Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu and the education ministry noted that the wooden structure of the dormitory facilitated the fire’s swift spread. Rescue efforts have been hindered by muddy roads caused by recent rains in the area.
Parents, many of whom have been waiting anxiously at the school, were allowed to view the scene of the fire. John Rukwaro, a grandfather, expressed his anguish over the disappearance of his 11-year-old grandson, despite checking local hospitals without success.
The education ministry’s permanent secretary, Belio Kipsang, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in accounting for all the children. He called on parents and community members to assist in consolidating the numbers to ensure that every child from the boarding section is accounted for.
President Ruto has described the incident as “devastating” and has instructed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He warned that those responsible for the fire will be held accountable.
Deputy President Gachagua has urged school administrators to adhere strictly to the safety guidelines set by the education ministry, which include ensuring dormitories are spacious, equipped with multiple exits, and fitted with fire extinguishers and alarms. These guidelines are designed to enhance safety in boarding schools, which have previously experienced fires caused by arson, drug abuse, or student protests over living conditions.
Kenya has witnessed several deadly school fires in the past, with the worst occurring in 2001 when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos County. The exact adherence to safety guidelines at Hillside Endarasha Primary School remains unclear, as the area near the dormitory remains cordoned off.
