Kerugoya Boys’ High School in Kirinyaga County is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that consumed one of its dormitories yesterday evening. The blaze, which ignited shortly before 8 PM, left students displaced and caused significant property damage during their evening classes.
John Kiama, head of the county fire department, reported a prompt response upon receiving the distress call. Firefighters rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the fire had already ravaged the dormitory, leaving many students without shelter and destroying belongings of unknown value.
“We received information about the incident and acted promptly, but unfortunately, the fire had already spread extensively,” Kiama explained. Despite their efforts, they were unable to salvage items inside the dormitory due to the severity of the blaze.
Fortunately, amidst the chaos, there were no casualties reported. Kiama reassured parents and guardians that all students were safe and accounted for, albeit shaken by the traumatic events.
Upon visiting the school, Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Allasow emphasized the immediate commencement of investigations to determine the cause of the fire. Allasow acknowledged the distress among parents and stakeholders, urging calm and cooperation during the inquiry process.
“The investigations have begun to ascertain the cause of the fire,” Allasow stated. He assured the community that the county’s security team, in collaboration with the school principal, would prioritize student safety and security.
The incident disrupted the school’s routine, occurring as students were attending their evening classes. The loss of the dormitory, a vital part of student accommodation, poses challenges for the school’s administration as they work to ensure continuity of education and student welfare.
Parents expressed concern over the impact of the fire on their children’s academic and personal lives. Many rushed to the school upon hearing the news, anxious to reunite with their children and assess the extent of the damage.
As investigations proceed, authorities will focus on determining whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide temporary shelter and support for affected students, with community support rallying around the school during this challenging time.
Kirinyaga County officials, including the fire department and local authorities, continue to coordinate efforts to manage the aftermath of the fire. The school community remains resilient, rallying together to support each other and recover from the unfortunate incident.
In the coming days, restoring normalcy at Kerugoya Boys’ High School will be a top priority, with authorities pledging transparency and updates as investigations progress.