More than 100 students at Hobunaka Boys High School in Vihiga County were left without shelter on Tuesday night, July 7, 2026, after a fire destroyed one of the school’s dormitories, reducing property worth millions of shillings to ashes.

The fire broke out at night and spread rapidly through the dormitory before students, assisted by nearby residents, mounted desperate efforts to contain the flames using buckets of water and other improvised means.

Despite their efforts, the inferno engulfed the building, destroying mattresses, books, school uniforms and other personal belongings.

According to witnesses, the dormitory was completely consumed by the fire within a short time, leaving more than 100 students displaced.

It is alleged that a section of rogue students torched the dormitory after they were denied permission to watch the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt on Tuesday.

The claim had not been confirmed by the school administration by the time of publication.

Efforts to reach the school’s management for comment were unsuccessful, with both the principal and deputy principal reportedly away coordinating the response with security agencies and education officials.

County firefighters arrived at the school later and managed to contain the blaze, although the dormitory had already been extensively damaged.

The incident comes amid growing concern over student unrest in schools across the country. In recent weeks, several learning institutions have reported cases of vandalism and arson linked to disputes over school regulations and co-curricular activities.

Parents who rushed to the school expressed shock over the destruction and called on the Ministry of Education to address the rising cases of unrest in secondary schools.

By Tuesday night, the displaced students had been accommodated in other dormitories and classrooms as the school sought temporary arrangements.

Police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire and determine whether the blaze was an act of arson, as alleged. Authorities are also working to identify those responsible should foul play be established.