Ministry of Education officials on Monday, September 9, 2024, briefed President William Ruto on the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 pupils.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, also briefed the Head of State on the steps being taken to ensure the safety of all learners in schools.

The session was also attended by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

President Ruto in a statement shared via his official X account stated that compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is not negotiable.

According to Ruto, compliance is the only insurance available to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in schools.

Ruto on investigations

He further urged relevant authorities to speed up investigations on the Hillside Academy fire tragedy and all other institutions that have been affected by fire in the recent past.

“Compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is not negotiable. This is the only insurance we have to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in schools,” Ruto stated.

“Security agencies must speed up investigations on the Hillside Academy fire tragedy and all other affected institutions. Briefed by Ministry of Education officials on the Hillside Academy fire tragedy and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of all our children.”

Compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is not negotiable. This is the only insurance we have to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in schools.

Security agencies must speed up investigations on the Hillside Academy… pic.twitter.com/qeJShPhiXJ

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 9, 2024

Endarasha learners accounted for

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a statement issued on Monday evening has stated that all the learners at Hillside Endarasha Academy have been accounted for, following the fire tragedy.

However, Mwaura said that 19 parents have not been able to identify the bodies of their loved ones, who were burned beyond recognition.

According to Mwaura, 19 bodies were recovered from the dormitory, while two other pupils succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment, bringing the total number of deaths to 21.

The government spokesperson has given assurance that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide detectives have camped in Nyeri to conduct scientific analysis on the bodies, which will help the aggrieved parents identify them.

Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor stated that the bodies, preserved at Naromuru Mortuary, are severely burned, making identification challenging.

DNA collection from families commenced on Monday, with autopsies scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the reconciliation of DNA samples.

The fire broke out on September 6, 2024, in a dormitory housing over 150 boys aged 10 to 14.