Cheptenye Boys High School has been closed indefinitely following the razing down of two dormitories.
Speaking at the school, Kericho County Director of Education Mr. Julius Ngoneshi confirmed the closure saying all stakeholders agreed so as to give the DCI enough time to unearth the cause of the fire and also give the school time to prepare alternative accommodation for affected students.
Around 180 students of school in Belgut, Kericho County escaped unhurt during the inferno that burnt down two dormitories early Tuesday morning.
“We came here with a multi-agency team from all departments. We have assessed the situation and held a meeting the Board of Management. Given the extent of the damage and the number of students affected, it has been agreed that the students be given a break,” the Director said.
He said no student was injured during the incident but personal belongings of unknown value were lost to the fire.
Sources at the school who spoke to Education News on condition of anonymity said that the fire started when the students were taking their breakfast.
They students were in their queues waiting to be served when they noticed a cloud of smoke billowing from the dormitories.
They rushed to the scene and attempted to rescue their belongings but the fire had already engulfed the entire building.
The students together with members of staff and the community attempted to put it out but were overwhelmed due to the prevailing windy condition.
A fire brigade from the county government of Kericho also arrived at the school but it was already too late.
This comes days after Litein High School students went on strike and destroyed property of unknown value.
By Benedict Ngetich
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