By Dorothy Musyoka
At least 17 pupils have died at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni West Sub County following last night fire tragedy.
According to the National Police Service Spokesperson Dr Resilia Onyango 14 other pupils who sustained serious burns were rushed to hospital.
“We have 17 pupils dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and take necessary action,” said Dr.Onyango.
Confirming the incident, the Ministry of Education in statement release by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, the ministry regrets the occurence of the tragic incident.
“The Ministry of Education deeply regrets to announce a tragic fire tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarsha Academy in Kieni West Sub County, Nyeri County, last night, that has claimed the lives of 17 innocent learners.The fire incident left other learners injured and are being attended to in various,” said PS Kipsang.
Education PS noted that 156 boys were the occupants in the ill fated dormitory
“The school has a total enrolment of 824.Of these, 402 learners 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 boarders were accommodated in the ill-fated dormitory,” stated Dr.Kipsang.
Dr.Kipsang noted that the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to and Ministry of Health to investigate the incident and ensure the injured pupils get better medical attention.
“The Ministry of Education is currently working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and Ministry of Health to manage the situation, and ensure the injured learners are given the best medical attention,” Dr. Kipsang said.
“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,” he added.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa noted that the ministry is working with Nyeri County Government to attend injured pupils.
“The Ministry of Health is working with the Nyeri County Government Department of Health to ensure the injured children get appropriate emergency treatment and support,” stated the health CS.
Ministry of education joint other leaders in mourning the lives lost in the tragedy.
“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,” read the statement.
According to the Education PS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migomba, who has been on an official trip to China, is expected to return to the country to ensure the matter is addressed with utmost urgency.