A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya, has tragically claimed the lives of 21 young students, raising urgent concerns about safety standards in schools across the country.
The fire occurred late Thursday night while the boys, aged between 9 and 13, were asleep in their dormitory.
Authorities reported that 19 bodies were found in the charred building, with two additional students dying from their injuries in the hospital.
As of now, 17 students remain unaccounted for, leaving their families in a distressing wait for updates.
DNA testing is scheduled to begin on Monday to help identify the victims.
Families have been advised to visit Naromoru Hospital to participate in the forensic process.
In response to the tragedy, President William Ruto has declared three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings, military bases, and embassies from Monday through Wednesday.
The fire has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols in Kenyan schools, particularly following a series of similar incidents in recent years.
Initial investigations suggest the dormitory was overcrowded, breaching established safety standards.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has called for an investigation into potential negligence or recklessness contributing to the fire.
In the aftermath of the Hillside Endarasha tragedy, the Kenya Red Cross is providing psychological support to affected students and families, with support tents set up outside the school.
The incident has also sparked discussions about children’s rights to safety in educational institutions, as emphasized by various NGOs.
Compounding the situation, another fire broke out at Isiolo Girls High School on Saturday night, causing injuries but no fatalities.
The following day, a dormitory at Njia Boys High School in Meru County was destroyed by fire while students were having supper, though there were no casualties.
The heartbreaking loss of young lives in this recent fire highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures in schools across Kenya.
Authorities must act promptly to investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
