DNA testing will commence on Monday in order to identify the bodies of the children who tragically lost their lives in a fire that engulfed a Kenyan boarding school, according to local authorities. The devastating incident occurred at the Hillside Endarasha Academy, where a dormitory housing 156 boys became engulfed in flames late Thursday night.

At least 21 children, with an average age of nine, are believed to have perished in the fire. Distressingly, some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, making the identification process challenging. Firefighters faced delays due to poor road conditions, but nearby residents promptly came together to aid in the rescue efforts.

Currently, 17 children are still unaccounted for, causing immense anguish for parents and relatives who have set up camp at the school, demanding answers. Government officials are urging those who assisted in saving the students to bring them back to the school premises to aid in the tracing process. The Red Cross has established a tracing desk and is extending support to those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting investigators to assess possible negligence and recklessness. In a statement, the chief prosecutor emphasized the importance of determining whether this tragedy could have been prevented. This incident, reminiscent of previous school fires, serves as a somber reminder of the failure to comply with safety standards in educational institutions.

Addressing the nation from the school, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura described the magnitude of the catastrophe as unimaginable, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of young lives with promising futures. Mwaura urged the media to refrain from drawing premature conclusions about the death toll, as the DNA testing process will take multiple days to complete.

Yesterday, criminal investigators and government pathologists sealed off the site for further analysis, hoping to uncover valuable insights into the cause of the tragedy. This incident adds to a growing concern over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, which have witnessed several incidents of fires in recent years.

Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2022 when a dormitory in western Kenya was reduced to ashes, resulting in the arrest of several students on suspicion of arson. In 2017, an arson attack at Moi Girls High School in the capital city of Nairobi claimed the lives of 10 students. The deadliest school arson in Kenya's history, which occurred over two decades ago in Machakos County, claimed the lives of at least 67 students.

A report released four years ago highlighted the lack of preparedness and non-compliance with government safety standards in many Kenyan secondary schools. Insufficient fire-handling equipment and inadequate construction practices were found to be common shortcomings.

As investigations persist, the tragic loss of 17 primary school pupils in the overnight blaze has shaken the nation, prompting a collective call for improved safety measures in educational facilities.