Kenya school fire 17 students dead and 13 seriously burned investigation Underway

President William Ruto called the fire "horrific" and "devastating." He has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, saying, "Those responsible will be held to account," in a social media post.

A fire broke out in a school dormitory in Kenya, killing 17 students and leaving 13 others with serious burns, according to police reports on Friday (6 September).

Authorities fear the death toll could increase, as more than a dozen injured students have been rushed to the hospital with severe burns.
The incident occurred at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

President William Ruto called the fire "horrific" and "devastating.

" He has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, saying, "Those responsible will be held to account," in a social media post.

A team of investigators has been sent to the school, according to the police.

Police spokesperson Resila Onyango told AFP news that the recovered bodies were "burnt beyond recognition.

" She also said that more bodies may be discovered as the investigation continues.

The Kenya Red Cross is offering psychosocial support to the affected students, teachers, and families.

They have also established a tracing service at the school.

Fires in boarding schools are not uncommon in Kenya.

In 2017, a fire at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi claimed the lives of 10 students in an arson attack. Over 20 years ago, 67 students died in Machakos County in the deadliest school fire in Kenya's history.