At least 16 pupils have been confirmed dead following a fire that engulfed a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County, last night. Authorities have launched a probe into the tragedy, which has also left 11 children hospitalized, amid concerns over safety standards in Kenyan schools.
The fire broke out in one of the dormitories at Hillside Endarasha Academy, a private boarding school in Nyeri County, around midnight, catching many of the students off guard as they slept. The National Police Service Spokesperson, Resila Onyango, confirmed the death toll.
A multi-agency response team, including the Kenya Red Cross, was quickly dispatched to the scene to manage the emergency. “Following the tragic fire incident, the Kenya Red Cross, alongside other agencies, has been on the ground responding,” the organization said in a tweet. It added that psychosocial support services are being provided to the pupils, teachers, and affected families, and a tracing desk has been set up at the school.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “devastating news.” In a statement, he said, “Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives. I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account.” The president also mentioned that the Ministry of Interior is mobilizing resources to support the affected families.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed these sentiments, posting on Facebook, “I have learnt with deep sadness the tragic death of pupils… We pray for a quick recovery of the survivors of this inferno. We ask schools to enforce safety and security measures as outlined by the Ministry of Education and other agencies to avert such incidences.”
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that 11 children have been admitted to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital. Efforts are ongoing to trace other students who may have been affected by the fire. The organization is also providing counseling services to the bereaved families, teachers, and students who witnessed the traumatic incident.
