School Fires in Kenya: A Growing Concern
In a worrying trend, at least 10 school fire incidents were reported across Kenya on Wednesday, resulting in extensive property damage and raising concerns about the state of affairs in boarding schools. The fires affected schools in three regions, with no casualties reported, but authorities are urging schools to enhance security measures as investigations continue.
The Rift Valley was particularly affected, with two major incidents occurring at Irbaan Primary School and Naivasha High School, where dormitories were destroyed in separate blazes. In the Eastern Region, three secondary schools were affected, including Isiolo Boys High School, where an old dormitory used as a store was set alight, and Mbooni High School in Makueni, which experienced damage to several buildings, including shattered glass windows.
In Meru, two dormitories at Buriuri Boys High School were completely destroyed by fire, while a dormitory at Wami Boys Secondary School in Isiolo caught fire later that evening. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but authorities described the damage as "significant."
In the Central Region, an attempted arson at Mukurweini Boys High School in Nyeri was thwarted by authorities, and several students were arrested for questioning. Education officials have expressed deep concern over the surge in school fires and student unrest, urging schools to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
The cause of the fires remains under investigation, but authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the growing concern over school fires in Kenya.
