17 children killed in Kenya school fire

In central Kenya, a devastating fire at a primary school dormitory has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 children, according to police reports on Friday. The blaze erupted around midnight at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, consuming rooms where the children, aged approximately five to twelve, were asleep.

National police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that the fire caused fatalities and serious injuries, with the victims’ bodies found burnt beyond recognition. Most of the deceased were around nine years old, and 16 others were severely injured and transported to a nearby hospital. Onyango indicated that more bodies might be uncovered as the investigation continues.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but an investigation is underway. President William Ruto has expressed his condolences, calling the event “devastating” and urging a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

The school, located about 170 kilometers (100 miles) north of Nairobi, is receiving aid from the Kenyan Red Cross, which is providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and affected families.

Kenya has experienced several school fires in recent years, including a 2016 incident in Nairobi that killed nine students, and a 2001 arson attack at Kyanguli Mixed Secondary School that claimed 67 lives. In 1994, a fire at Shauritanga Secondary School for Girls in Tanzania resulted in 40 deaths and 47 injuries.