Police in Kenya have been directed to investigate the tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in the deaths of at least 18 pupils, with the victims averaging just nine years of age. Authorities are tasked with examining potential negligence or recklessness that may have contributed to this heartbreaking event.
The cause of the fire, which broke out in the boys’ dormitory, remains undetermined, and approximately 50 students are still unaccounted for. The identification of the deceased is slated to begin on Monday.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has emphasized the gravity of the situation, recalling past school fire tragedies linked to negligence and non-compliance with safety regulations. He asserted that any individuals found responsible would face swift legal actions in accordance with the law.
Concerns have been raised by Kenya’s national gender and equality commission regarding initial reports that indicated overcrowding in the dormitory. The fire erupted around 23:00 local time on Thursday, affecting a dormitory housing 156 boys in Nyeri County. Firefighters faced delays due to poor road conditions, while local residents bravely intervened to assist in the rescue.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed profound sorrow over the loss of such young lives, referring to the incident as a catastrophe that underscores the vulnerability of children. Currently, around 50 children are still unaccounted for, with some believed to have escaped or been picked up by parents without the school’s knowledge. Mr. Mwaura clarified that over 20 missing children have been located, urging caution regarding reports on the status of the others, as DNA testing could prolong identification efforts.
The site of the tragedy has been secured by criminal investigators and pathologists for ongoing investigation, with body identification set to occur at a local hospital. Parents are facing a prolonged wait for information about their children, with some remains severely damaged.
In response to the tragedy, President William Ruto has declared a three-day national mourning period commencing on Monday.
School fires are frequently reported in Kenyan boarding schools, raising significant safety concerns. A similar fire incident occurred in 2022, leading to arrests for suspected arson. Historical precedents include a tragic arson attack in 2017 that claimed the lives of 10 students and the deadliest school fire in over two decades, which killed at least 67 students in Machakos County.
A previous audit highlighted ongoing deficiencies in safety preparedness across many secondary schools in Kenya, revealing that numerous institutions lack essential firefighting equipment and do not comply with mandated safety construction standards. The continued risk of such incidents emphasizes the urgent need for improved safety measures within the educational facilities.
