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The Ministries of Education and Interior have promised to investigate the cause of the fire that occurred at Hillside Endarasha Academy on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

According to the education ministry, 17 pupils have so far died, while others who are injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Nyeri County.

“The fire incident left 14 other learners injured and are being attended to in various hospitals. The school has a total enrollment of 824. Of these, 402 are boys, while 422 are girls.

“Of the total enrolment of 824 learners, 156 boys and 160 girls are boarders, while the rest are day scholars. All the 156 boys hoarders were accommodated in the ill-fated dormitory.

“In line with His Excellency President William Ruto‘s directive, the Ministry of Education is coordinating with security agencies to investigate the root cause of the fire incident at the school,” a statement signed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang on Friday, September 6, said.

The ministry also joined top leaders who mourned the tragic incident at the institution.

“The Ministry of Education sends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the parents, families, and friends of the learners who lost their lives in this regrettable tragedy,” Kipsang’s message concluded.

Rescue mission

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has detailed how the rescue mission is going on.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni East, Nyeri County, last night.

“A team of scene of crime officers, supported by the government chemist assisting in forensic analysis, has been dispatched to the school to investigate the cause of the fire, and the police have cordoned off the area.

“Disaster response agencies, including the National Government Administrative Officers, Kenya Red Cross and the National Disaster Operation Centre, are working to coordinate support for parents and the school community, offering aid and counseling services,” a statement shared on the ministry’s social media handles said.

An investigation into the incident has also been confirmed by the ministry.

“Ministry of Education and health professionals are also on-site, providing specialized care and assistance. We wish a swift recovery to those injured in this unfortunate incident as we also review the security management of schools,” the statement concluded.