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Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 17 Students in Kenyan School Dormitory

Friday 06 - 16:15
Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 17 Students in Kenyan School Dormitory

A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, Kenya, has resulted in the deaths of 17 students and left 13 others with severe burns, according to police reports. The blaze, which broke out in the school's dormitory on Thursday night, has raised concerns that the death toll may increase.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with police spokesperson Resila Onyango indicating that authorities are working to determine the origin of the flames and will implement necessary measures in response.

In reaction to the tragedy, President William Ruto expressed profound sorrow and pledged decisive action against those found responsible for the incident. He emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure accountability. "I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account," President Ruto stated on the social media platform X.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged school administrators to adhere strictly to safety guidelines provided by the education ministry, particularly for boarding schools. He stressed that such precautions are vital to prevent similar incidents in the future.

School fires are unfortunately not uncommon in Kenya, particularly in boarding institutions where students are housed to avoid long commutes. Previous incidents have occasionally been linked to student protests over issues such as academic pressure or living conditions. For example, in 2017, a fire in a Nairobi high school claimed the lives of 10 students.

The community and authorities are now focused on ensuring that such tragedies are prevented and that the affected families receive the necessary support.


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