In a horrific incident late Thursday night, a fire broke out in a dormitory at Hillside Andarasha Academy, a primary school in central Kenya, resulting in the death of at least 17 pupils. The fire, which broke out around midnight, has left the community in shock and grief while authorities investigate the cause of the fire.
The tragic incident
A fire broke out in the dormitory of Hillside Andarasha Academy, a private school located in Nyeri County, about 150 kilometers north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. More than 150 students were in the dormitory at the time, with the rapid spread of the flames raising fears that the death toll could rise. Several other students have been admitted to local hospitals with severe burns, and many remain in critical condition.
Police chief Pius Murugu confirmed that most of the structures in the dormitory were made of wood, which caused the fire to spread quickly. Also, the dense crowd of students in the dormitory made it difficult for many to escape. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, as investigators attempt to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Reactions and responses
President William Ruto has described the fire as “catastrophic” and “devastating”, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability. In a statement on social media, President Ruto vowed that those responsible for the fire would be held accountable. The Kenyan government has deployed a team of investigators to investigate the scene and determine the cause of the fire.
The Kenya Red Cross has stepped in to provide assistance to the affected families and survivors. Trauma counselling services have been made available to students, teachers and families affected by the fire. Additionally, a tracing desk has been set up at the school to locate and assist those affected.
Historical context and ongoing concerns
This tragic incident is part of a wider trend of school fires in Kenya. In recent years, fire incidents in educational institutions have been relatively common. Notably, in 2017, a fire at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi killed 10 students. Furthermore, the deadliest school fire in Kenya’s history occurred two decades ago in Machakos County, where at least 67 students lost their lives in a similar incident.
The frequency of these fires raises concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness at Kenyan boarding schools. Many of the school buildings involved in these incidents are made of flammable materials such as wood, which increases the risks associated with fire. The need for stricter fire safety regulations and regular inspections of school facilities has become increasingly evident.
Investigation and future actions
The ongoing investigation into the Hillside Andarasha Academy fire will focus on several key aspects: the cause of the fire, the adequacy of safety measures, and any lapses in emergency preparedness. Authorities will have to assess whether the school followed fire safety regulations and whether any negligence contributed to this tragedy.
In the wake of this incident, there will likely be calls for improvements in school safety protocols across Kenya. The government and educational institutions must work together to implement comprehensive safety measures, including the installation of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and better building materials to prevent future tragedies.
Impact on the community
The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate loss of young lives. The affected community is grappling with grief and shock, as families mourn the loss of their children and survivors cope with the physical and emotional toll of the fire. Support provided by organisations such as the Kenya Red Cross will be vital in helping the community recover and rebuild.
Conclusion
The fire at Hillside Andarasha Academy has cast a grim shadow over Kenya, highlighting the urgent need to enhance safety measures at educational institutions. As investigations continue, the focus will be on ensuring accountability and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The loss of these young lives is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of students in all schools across the country.