The death toll from a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri, central Kenya, has risen to at least 21. Nineteen bodies were found at the scene, while two children succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.Government pathologist Johansen Oduor reported that the bodies were severely burned, making identification difficult.
DNA testing is set to begin on Monday to identify the victims, but officials warn this process could take days.The fire, which broke out on Thursday night, destroyed a dormitory housing 156 boys aged 10 to 14. While over 100 students have been accounted for, 17 remain missing.
Authorities are urging anyone who rescued students during the blaze to return them to the school to assist with the search.The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the site has been sealed for investigation.
President William Ruto has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Monday.In a separate incident, the Red Cross reported another fire at a girls’ boarding school in Isiolo, where at least three students were injured. Fires at Kenyan boarding schools have raised concerns about safety standards, prompting the government to call for stricter enforcement of regulations. Many parents opt for boarding schools to allow their children more time to study without long commutes.
