Tragedy struck in Kenya earlier this month when a fire broke out at Hillside Endarasha Academy, a boarding school in central Kenya, claiming the lives of 21 young students aged 9-13. The victims were trapped in their dormitory as the blaze spread through the building on September 6.
A mass funeral was held for the victims, with thousands of mourners in attendance, including grieving relatives and former classmates. The emotional ceremony featured floral wreaths carried by dozens of children, and photographs of the victims displayed on top of coffins, accompanied by flower bouquets. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed his condolences, saying, “These young souls, innocent. Young boys… Our heart cries for them.”
Unfortunately, Kenya has a history of school fires, with over 60 cases of arson reported in public secondary schools in 2018. While the cause of the recent blaze remains unknown, researchers suggest that many similar fires have been intentionally set by students protesting harsh discipline and poor conditions.
Maryanne Mwangi, who lost her 14-year-old daughter Virlear in a similar school fire in 2017, expressed frustration and sadness, stating that the government has failed to improve school conditions. “Our schools are a school of rules. It’s actually like a military camp,” she said, highlighting the need for change.
The 2017 fire, which claimed the lives of ten girls, was attributed to arson committed by a teenage student. As Kenya grapples with this latest tragedy, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues driving these devastating events.
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