A devastating fire broke out in a school dormitory in Kenya, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 young lives and leaving 13 others with severe burns. The incident occurred at Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri county, where the dormitory housing over 150 boys aged between 10 and 14 was engulfed in flames.
The cause of the fire, which occurred on Thursday night, is currently under investigation by authorities. The wooden structures of the school contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, making rescue efforts challenging.
Located in the central highlands of Kenya, the school is situated approximately 200 kilometers north of Nairobi. The ongoing rains in the area further complicated rescue operations due to muddy roads.
Parents anxiously awaited news of their children at the school premises, overwhelmed with grief at the tragic turn of events. President William Ruto expressed his shock and instructed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
School fires are unfortunately not uncommon in Kenyan boarding schools, often linked to issues such as drug abuse and overcrowding. Some incidents have been attributed to arson, while others have stemmed from student protests over various concerns.
The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for boarding schools, emphasizing the importance of safety measures such as spacious dormitories with multiple exits, unobstructed windows for escape, and readily accessible fire extinguishers and alarms.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize safety and adhere to established protocols in educational institutions to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.
