Kenya Dormitory Fire Kills 17 Boys, Injures 14 at Elementary Boarding School
A devastating fire swept through a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in central Kenya, killing 17 boys and leaving 14 others seriously injured, authorities confirmed on Friday. The victims, aged between 9 and 13, were students in grades four to eight, according to police spokesperson Resila Onyango.
The fire broke out around midnight as the children slept, completely engulfing the dormitory. “We are investigating the cause and will take necessary action,” Onyango said, adding that the bodies were "burnt beyond recognition."
The school, located in Nyeri County, houses around 800 students aged 5 to 12. Emergency services, including the Kenyan Red Cross, responded to the scene and are providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and affected families.
President William Ruto expressed his grief, calling the incident "devastating." He promised a thorough investigation, stating, "Those responsible will be held to account." Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also urged school administrators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines for boarding schools.
School fires are not uncommon in Kenya, where boarding facilities are popular to reduce commuting times and increase study hours. However, previous fires have been linked to student protests over conditions. In 2017, 10 students died in a similar fire at a Nairobi high school.
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