Tragedy Strikes Kenyan Primary School as Fire Claims the Lives of 18 Young Children

A devastating fire ripped through the dormitory of Hillside Endarasha Academy in central Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 18 young children and hospitalizing 27 others. The fire broke out just after midnight on Friday, engulfing the dormitory where more than 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14 were sleeping.

The tragedy occurred in the country’s central highlands, approximately 200 kilometers north of the capital, Nairobi. The school, which has 824 students, is made up of wooden buildings, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Authorities are still trying to account for at least 70 children, although some may have gone home with families for the night.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged community members who may have sheltered some of the children to bring them back so that they can be accounted for. Many families are left waiting anxiously to be reunited with their children, with one parent saying they have been given very little information.

The government has promised to mobilize all available resources to support the families of those involved. Police spokesperson, Resila Onyango, confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire have been opened.

President William Ruto has declared three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of the children who died. In a statement on social media, he wrote, "I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account."

School fires are common in Kenyan boarding schools, often due to arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding, according to a recent education ministry report. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and adherence to safety guidelines in such institutions.

The deadliest school fire in Kenya’s history occurred in 2001, when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos County. This latest incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such tragedies and the need for swift action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.