Authorities are investigating a string of fires that have swept through several schools, destroying dormitories and leaving a trail of damaged property.
The most recent fire occurred on Sunday morning at Uhuru Secondary School in Nairobi, where two dormitories housing 105 Form Three students were reduced to ashes.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as students were out for breakfast and church services when the blaze broke out.
The Nairobi County fire brigade responded swiftly, containing the fire before it could spread further.
“All students were accounted for after the fire had been controlled,” police confirmed, while the school management assessed the loss of property, which remains of unknown value.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend that has seen several schools affected by similar fires.
On Monday, 9th September 2024, two more schools—Bukhalalire Secondary in Busia County and Ortum Boys in West Pokot County—also reported fires that destroyed dormitories.
Once again, no injuries were reported, but significant property damage was incurred.
While investigations are ongoing, police have linked many of these fires to possible arson, speculating that some students may be involved. This theory continues to gain traction as more schools fall victim to suspicious blazes.
In related news, two other schools were on Friday 6th September also closed indefinitely following night fires in Makueni County.
St. Peters Clevers Boys Secondary School, Kithuki, and Maiani Boys Secondary School were closed after dormitories were burnt Thursday night.
The public schools are located in the Kathonzweni and Mukaa sub-counties respectively.
Other schools affected in recent days are Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, Njia Boys, Kagonye Secondary, and Isiolo Girls secondary.
The most tragic of these however was the horrific fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, where 21 students lost their lives, and 25 others were hospitalized with severe burns.
Many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, prompting the government to begin DNA testing on September 9 to help identify the victims.
As the country grapples with this unsettling wave of school fires, authorities are urging school administrators to remain vigilant and tighten security to ensure the safety of students.
The investigations into the cause of these fires are ongoing, with arson suspected in several cases.
