A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kenya has left at least 21 children dead, with an average age of nine. The tragedy occurred on Thursday night in a dormitory housing 156 boys, with firefighters delayed due to bad roads. Local residents rushed to assist in rescue efforts, but some bodies were burnt beyond recognition, prompting DNA testing to begin on Monday for identification.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigators have been tasked with assessing potential negligence or recklessness. Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga noted similarities with past school fire incidents, often linked to safety standard failures.
President William Ruto has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Monday. Government officials have urged those who helped in rescue efforts to bring the children back to the school for tracing. The Red Cross has set up a tracing desk and is offering support to affected families.
This incident is the latest in a series of fires at Kenyan boarding schools, raising concerns about safety standards. Recent incidents include a 2022 dormitory fire in western Kenya and a 2017 arson attack at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi. A 2020 report warned that many secondary schools in Kenya lacked proper fire response equipment and failed to meet government safety standards.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura described the tragedy as “a catastrophe beyond our imagination” and “truly devastating for the nation.” The incident has sparked widespread grief, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visiting the school on Friday.