The national government has announced a raft of measures following the dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, which has claimed 17 lives.
In a statement on Friday, September 6, 2024, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura indicated that the intervention measures aim to mitigate the effects of the night fire.
As part of mitigation measures, the national government has dispatched 50 bags of maize and beans to the institution in Nyeri. 100 blankets and mattresses have also been dispatched to Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri
The Government Spokesperson indicated the package will arrive at the school at 1:00 pm.
“50 bags of rice and 50 bags of beans are en route to the site via Special Programs. 100 mattresses and 100 blankets are also being dispatched with an estimated arrival time of 1300hrs (1 pm),” the statement read in part.
Other measures
According to Mwaura, the Kenya Red Cross is on-site providing counselling services to survivors and families of the victims.
“Additionally, tents, blankets and medical supplies are being coordinated by Red Cross and Special Programs. National and County education officials are coordinating efforts on the ground and liaising with parents and the local community.
“The government is fully committed to supporting the victims, their families and the broader school community during this incredibly difficult time. We are working closely with all relevant agencies and other key stakeholders to provide the necessary support,” he added.
Other medical facilities have also donated first aid kits to Hillside Endarasha Academy following the fire tragedy.
The fire
According to the Ministry of Education and Interior Ministry, the cause of the fire is yet to be established. However, their preliminary reports indicate that it broke out on the night of Thursday, September 5, 2024.
17 students lost their lives while 12 others were left nursing serious injuries.
By the time of this publication, some parents were still at the school waiting for official communication regarding the status of their children.
Hillside Endarasha tragedy
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) September 6, 2024
Dr. Belio Kipsang – Education PS: We have lost 17 of our children and 12 have been taken to hospital. The DCI and the medical teams will confirm the numbers.#K24Mchipuko pic.twitter.com/aa1DZC4qN0
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang who visited the institution appealed to parents and community members who helped to rescue some students to return them for accountability purposes.
Hillside Endarasha tragedy
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) September 6, 2024
Dr. Belio Kipsang – Education PS: We are trying to account for every child. We are asking parents who may have picked their children and members of the community who may have assisted last night, to help account for them#K24Mchipuko pic.twitter.com/YrMsmVfYdp
However, he indicated that the full report will be issued once all the children have been accounted for.
