Authorities in Kenya are investigating the cause of a tragic fire at a boarding school that has claimed the lives of at least 18 pupils, all around nine years old. The blaze, which erupted in the boys’ dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy, has left 50 students still unaccounted for.
Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has ordered investigators to determine whether negligence or recklessness played a role in the fire. “The tragedy evokes memories of similar incidents where non-compliance with safety standards was a factor,” Ingonga said, warning that anyone found responsible would face swift prosecution.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the grim task of identifying the bodies will not begin until Monday. The country’s national gender and equality commission expressed concerns over initial reports suggesting the dormitory was overcrowded, housing 156 boys at the time of the fire.
The blaze broke out late Thursday night in a remote area of Nyeri County. Poor road conditions delayed firefighters, but locals rushed to help rescue students from the flames. “It is a catastrophe beyond imagination,” government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said. “To lose so many young lives is truly devastating for the nation.”
Though over 70 children were initially reported missing, Mwaura confirmed on Saturday that more than 20 have since been found. Some are believed to have escaped or been taken home by parents, but around 50 students remain unaccounted for. Mwaura urged patience, cautioning against speculation as DNA testing could take several days.
Meanwhile, the site has been sealed off for analysis by criminal investigators and pathologists. The devastating fire has left many parents anxiously waiting for answers. “Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition,” a government official stated, meaning parents may have to wait until Monday to know their children’s fate.
President William Ruto declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Monday in response to the tragedy. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the school on Friday to offer his support to the affected families.
Fires at Kenyan boarding schools are not uncommon, often raising questions about safety standards. In 2017, an arson attack at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi claimed the lives of 10 students, and more than 67 students were killed in a fire in Machakos County over two decades ago. A 2019 report by the auditor general warned that many schools across the country lacked proper fire safety equipment and did not adhere to government safety guidelines.
The investigation into the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire is ongoing.
