NAIROBI, KENYA – Seventeen boys lost their lives and 14 others suffered severe burns after a devastating fire engulfed an elementary boarding school dormitory in central Kenya. The tragedy occurred at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, which houses about 800 students aged around five to twelve.
Boys in grades four to eight, likely aged nine to thirteen, fell victim to the fatal fire, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.
The blaze initiated around midnight and rapidly consumed the dormitory while the students were asleep. The investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, with police spokesperson Resila Onyango stating that “necessary action” will be taken.
The traumatic incident has prompted a joint response from several agencies, with the Kenyan Red Cross offering crucial support. The organization provides psychosocial support services to the affected students, teachers, and families.
President William Ruto termed the incident as “devastating” and promised definite action against those found guilty.
Deputy Rigathi Gachagua emphasized the importance of adherence to safety guidelines prescribed by the education ministry for boarding schools.
However, school fires are not uncommon in Kenyan boarding schools. Students have reportedly triggered some fires during the protests over challenging workloads or poor living conditions. In 2017, another school fire in Nairobi resulted in the death of ten high school pupils.