Nine pupils, including a Grade Three learner who is in critical condition, are nursing injuries following a fire incident at Winners Day and Boarding School in Kimana, Kajiado County.
The incident occurred on the night of January 12 when a fire broke out in the boys’ dormitory at around 10pm. The dormitory was housing 29 pupils from Grade Three to Grade Seven at the time.
Police said the cause of the fire is still unknown and investigations have been launched to establish what triggered the incident.
According to police reports, the school matron had earlier locked the dormitory doors from the outside after putting the pupils to sleep. When the fire broke out, she raised alarm and helped the pupils escape from the dormitory with the assistance of members of the public who rushed to the school.
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The injured pupils were rushed to Kimana Ultra Care Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Other pupils who were in the dormitory escaped with minor injuries or were unharmed. Some were treated at the scene while others were later reunited with their parents and guardians.
Residents living near the school said they noticed flames and smoke coming from the dormitory and responded immediately. Together with school staff, they attempted to contain the fire before it spread further.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over safety measures in boarding schools, especially night time supervision and dormitory security. Parents who arrived at the school after the incident called for improved safety standards to protect learners.
Police officers from Kimana Police Station have visited the school and recorded statements from school staff and witnesses. Further action is expected once investigations are concluded.
Authorities have urged school administrators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in learning institutions.
By Benedict Aoya
