A tragic fire broke out in a school dormitory in Kenya, resulting in the death of 17 students and leaving 13 others with serious burns. The cause of the fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County is still under investigation, with concerns that the death toll may rise. The private school, which has a student population of 824, is located north of Nairobi, the country’s capital. The fire spread quickly due to the wooden construction of most buildings in the area, with the dormitory housing over 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14.
Rescue efforts were hindered by muddy roads caused by heavy rains, as anxious parents waited at the school for news of their children. The police spokesperson, Resila Onyango, mentioned that the school primarily serves children up to the age of 14, and efforts were underway to account for all children in the boarding section. The government, including President William Ruto and the education ministry, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and vowed to investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The Deputy urged school administrators to adhere to safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry to prevent such disasters in the future.
School fires are unfortunately common in Kenyan boarding schools, often due to arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding. Parents often prefer boarding schools for their children, believing it allows for more study time without long commutes. Some fires have been ignited by students during protests over workload or living conditions, leading to devastating consequences. In 2017, 10 high school students lost their lives in a school fire in Nairobi. The deadliest school fire in recent history occurred in 2001, leading to the deaths of 67 students in Machakos county. The education ministry has set guidelines for dormitories to be spacious, with multiple doors for escape, and equipped with fire extinguishers and alarms, although compliance with these rules varies.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about safety in Kenyan schools. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire at Hillside school, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to such disasters. Police, government officials, and school administrators must work together to ensure that safety protocols are followed and that students are protected from harm. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones, while the nation mourns the young lives cut short by this devastating fire. It is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.
