Devastating Blaze Claims Lives of 17 Students and Injures 14 Others at Kenya’s Hillside Academy in Nyeri

Tragedy Strikes Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County:

A devastating dormitory fire has claimed the lives of at least 17 pupils and left 14 others seriously injured at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri. The incident occurred at night, with teams from the National Police Service dispatched to the school.

The cause of the fire is yet to be known, but investigations are ongoing by a team led by Deputy Director of DCI John Onyango and representatives from the office of the Inspector General of Police and Homicide unit. They aim to establish who was in the dormitory when the fire broke out and determine its origin.

The school had 824 pupils, with all boys accommodated in the affected dormitory that housed Grades 4 to 8 students. The Ministry of Health and County Government Health Department are on-site assessing medical needs, while Kenya Red Cross is providing critical counselling services to victims and families.

Government Response:

• Dry foods (50 bags of rice and beans) were en route to the site via Special Programs.
• Medical supplies, including first aid kits from Pankaj Foundation and consumables from MP Shah Hospital, are being dispatched.
• Additional tents, blankets, and medical supplies are being coordinated by Red Cross and Special Programs.

Counselling Services:

Kenya Red Cross has established tracing desks at the school to help parents identify their children. The service will also offer continuous counselling services starting today for learners, parents, and the community.

President William Ruto has vowed action against those responsible for the tragic fire incident, directing security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into the “horrific” incident. He assured that the government is mobilizing resources to support affected families.

Probe Team:

Deputy Director of DCI John Onyango leads a team of investigators at the school, including experts from the homicide and forensic department. They aim to comb through debris and establish the cause of the fire.

Visits by High-Ranking Officials:

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to visit Hillside Endarasha Academy to comfort pupils and parents following the fire tragedy.
• He has mourned the 17 pupils who perished in the fire, wished quick recovery for the injured, and called on schools to enforce safety measures as outlined by the Ministry of Education.

The government’s swift response aims to provide support to affected families during this difficult time.