Tragic Fire at Kenya Boarding School Claims Lives of 18 Pupils

A devastating fire broke out at the Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri county, central Kenya, claiming the lives of at least 18 pupils and leaving 27 injured. The fire occurred in a dormitory housing approximately 150 boys aged five to 12. The authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, but arson has been a concerning trend in Kenyan boarding schools.

Arson attacks in Kenyan boarding schools have become a distressing national issue, with over 100 children losing their lives in fire-related incidents over the past two decades. This tragic incident has raised fears that the death toll could further rise, as some of the injured children are in critical condition.

The recovered bodies have been described as "burnt beyond recognition" by police spokesperson Resila Onyango. The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) has provided immediate medical assistance, rushing 11 injured children to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital. Additionally, the KRC has established a tracing desk to locate missing pupils and will offer psychosocial support to affected families, teachers, and students.

President William Ruto expressed his distress upon hearing the news and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He promised that those responsible would be held accountable for this tragedy.

Unfortunately, arson has been identified as one of the leading causes of fires in Kenyan schools. In 2016 alone, there were 130 recorded cases of school burnings related to student unrest. This number increased to 63 arson cases in 2018. The fires have occurred in both boys' and girls' schools, as well as co-educational institutions.

The primary motive behind these arson attacks is said to be dissatisfaction and unrest among students, exacerbated by longer second terms and increased extracurricular activities. Fatigue from academic and extracurricular work can lead to unrest among students, resulting in these tragic incidents.

Primary boarding schools are favored by many Kenyan parents due to their perceived positive impact on children's learning environment, discipline, and reduced transportation costs. However, poor school conditions, strict rules, pressure around exams, and lengthy school terms have been identified as common triggers for student arsonists.

Studies and reports have highlighted the need for better fire safety training and awareness in schools. While some schools have installed fire extinguishers, half of public schools have never conducted fire safety assessments for their buildings. This lack of preparedness increases the vulnerability of students and staff in case of a fire.

The Kenyan government, in response to previous incidents, awarded financial compensation to parents affected by the 2001 Kyanguli Secondary School fire and the 2017 Moi Girls High School arson attack. However, the issue of responsibility and potential repairs after school fires remains unclear.

The tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for preventive measures and improved safety protocols in Kenyan schools. The authorities must undertake comprehensive investigations and take necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students across the country.