Government Urges Vigilance in Schools Amid Investigation into Recent Fire Tragedies

The recent spate of devastating fires in Kenyan schools has prompted urgent calls for heightened vigilance from both school authorities and parents. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed that investigations are underway following a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which claimed the lives of 21 students. The fire, which broke out in the boys’ dormitory, left the community reeling as the country mourns the loss of young lives.

The heartbreaking incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in 19 students dying at the scene and two more succumbing to their injuries in the hospital, has brought the plight of the affected families into the national spotlight. As of now, the parents of the 19 deceased students are still in the process of identifying their children. The government is facilitating this process by arranging for autopsies and providing mental health and psychosocial support to help the bereaved families cope with their profound loss.

The Academy, which houses 330 boarders including 166 girls and 164 boys, has since sent all the girls back to their families, while all the boys have been accounted for. In the wake of this tragedy, Mwaura expressed the Government’s deepest condolences to the affected families and commended the community and neighboring residents for their support.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the government pathologist are leading a thorough investigation into the cause of the Hillside Endarasha fire. Mwaura assured that updates would be provided as more information becomes available. The Government is also mobilizing resources to support those affected, including deploying health professionals and essential medical supplies to the County. Four mass casualty kits and a complete trauma kit have been dispatched, supported by additional trauma kits from the World Health Organization.

In addition to the Hillside Endarasha incident, other recent fires in schools have further highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures. On Saturday night, a fire broke out at Isiolo Girls High School during an entertainment session. Although the fire resulted in minor injuries to three students, no fatalities were reported. The DCI has been assigned to investigate this fire as well.

The following morning, a separate fire occurred at Bukhalarire Secondary School in Busia County, affecting one of the dormitories housing 162 students. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident either. The Sub-County Security team, led by the Senior Deputy County Commissioner, addressed the students and staff, and the fire was quickly contained. The DCI has also begun an investigation into this fire.

In response to the series of fires, the Ministry of Health has stepped up its efforts to provide comprehensive support to the affected communities. Specialized care, including essential medical supplies and coordination of blood donations, has been arranged. The Kenya Red Cross and other agencies, including the Amani Counseling Center, Child Welfare Society, and AMREF Center, are actively providing counseling and psychosocial support. A team of sixty-three counselors is working tirelessly to offer these critical services.

Spiritual support has also been extended to the Hillside Endarasha Academy community through an interdenominational service held by local clergy, which aims to honor the victims and encourage parents to seek psychological support for their children.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NDOC) and National Government Administrative Organs (NGAO), is working to enhance community preparedness and response to emergencies. Mwaura has urged school heads to remain vigilant, given the increased incidence of fires, and assured that all relevant agencies are diligently working to identify the causes and ensure accountability.

Ensuring the safety of learners remains a top priority for the Government, which is committed to enforcing policies and regulations to prevent future tragedies. The call for vigilance and preparedness serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to safeguard students and prevent such devastating events in the future.