Panic as fierce fire burns down Onjiko Boys’ dormitory

Panic gripped Onjiko High School in Kisumu County on the evening of July 7, when a fierce fire burned part of a boys’ dormitory, sending students and staff into alarm as smoke billowed into the sky. The incident occurred during evening prep time, when most learners were in class, a factor that helped prevent injuries.

Firefighters from the Kisumu County Fire Department responded swiftly, managing to extinguish the flames before the fire could spread to other nearby buildings. Despite the quick intervention, the damage was extensive.

The entire second floor of the dormitory, including its roof, was destroyed. Students lost most of their belongings, including bedding, uniforms, books and other essentials, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation as school officials and authorities have not yet confirmed whether the fire was accidental or a result of arson. However the sources reports that tension has been building in the learning institution after the school was banned for three years for fielding ineligible players at the Kisumu county soccer event.

The incident has fueled concerns over rising cases of school fires in Kenya, particularly in boarding institutions. Just two days earlier, Embakasi Girls’ High School also reported a dormitory fire, following a similar case at Nyambaria Boys’ High School earlier this term.

The timing of the Onjiko fire has drawn further attention as it occurred on Saba Saba Day, a period marked by protests and unrest in several parts of the country. While no connection has been established between the protests and the incident at Onjiko, the coincidence has prompted heightened scrutiny.

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In the aftermath of the fire, the school administration moved quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Temporary arrangements are being made to house those affected, while plans for reconstructing the destroyed dormitory are underway. Parents and guardians have called for tighter safety measures and increased surveillance within school premises to prevent future tragedies.

The Ministry of Education is now facing mounting pressure to conduct a nationwide safety audit of all boarding schools. While no lives were lost in the Onjiko incident, the emotional toll on students and families, combined with the destruction of vital school infrastructure, has once again highlighted the urgent need for preventive action in Kenya’s education sector.

By Benedict Aoya