Tragic Fire Kills 17 Students in Kenyan School Dormitory, Sparking Fears of Arson

A devastating fire has claimed the lives of 17 students and injured 13 others at a boarding school in Kenya, raising concerns of possible arson due to rampant drug abuse and overcrowding in such institutions.

A tragic fire has engulfed a school dormitory in Kenya, killing 17 students and critically injuring 13 others. The incident at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County has left the community reeling in grief and has raised concerns about the safety of boarding schools in the country.

The fire, which broke out on Thursday night, quickly spread through the wooden structure of the dormitory, where 150 boys aged 10 to 14 were sleeping. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of arson.

Tragic Fire Kills 17 Students in Kenyan School Dormitory, Sparking Fears of Arson

Overcrowding and drug abuse are common problems in Kenyan boarding schools, and they are often cited as contributing factors to school fires. In a recent report, the education ministry highlighted the prevalence of such incidents, which are often ignited intentionally.

The Hillside school serves 824 students and is located 125 miles north of Nairobi. The wooden structures on its premises made it highly susceptible to the rapid spread of the fire. Rescue efforts were further hampered by muddy roads caused by heavy rains.

Tragic Fire Kills 17 Students in Kenyan School Dormitory, Sparking Fears of Arson

The anxious parents of the missing children waited anxiously at the school, hoping for good news. Sadly, some, like John Rukwaro, who had not yet found his 11-year-old grandson, were devastated by the uncertainty.

The government and school administration are working together to account for all the students. "We are asking parents who picked up their children and the community to support us as we consolidate the numbers to ensure that we account for every child who was boarding in this school," said Belio Kipsang, the education ministry's permanent secretary.

President William Ruto expressed his condolences and ordered a thorough investigation. "I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account," he wrote on social media.

His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, emphasized the need for school administrators to adhere to the safety guidelines set by the education ministry to prevent future tragedies.

School fires in Kenya are a persistent problem, with the deadliest one occurring in 2001 in Machakos county, where 67 students perished in a dormitory fire. The ministry's guidelines mandate spacious dormitories, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers, but it remains unclear whether Hillside school complied with these regulations.

The area around the burned dormitory remains cordoned off as authorities continue their investigation. The community and the nation are in mourning as they grieve for the young lives lost and hope for justice for the victims and their families.