Nyakeiri Secondary School in Marani Subcounty has been closed indefinitely after a dormitory was destroyed in a late-night fire, the second such incident to hit the region within a week.
Principal Gilbert Gichana said the fire broke out at around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday while students were in classes. Efforts by learners, staff, and members of the community to contain the flames proved futile, and the dormitory, which housed 88 students, was reduced to ashes.
“All property belonging to the students was destroyed, but fortunately no learner or teacher was injured,” Gichana confirmed.
Marani Subcounty Police Commander John Kimutai assured parents that measures were being taken to accommodate the affected students and ensure learning continues uninterrupted. He added that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been dispatched to establish the cause of the fire, which destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
ALSO READ:
KUCCPS hints at phasing out grade C+ university entry grade under CBC
Area Deputy County Commissioner William Bet later announced that the school would remain closed to allow independent investigations by police and education officials.
The incident comes just days after Magena Boys High School in Kenyenya Subcounty lost seven dormitories in a similar inferno, raising concerns over a possible pattern of school fires in the region.
Parents who spoke to Education News appealed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to act swiftly and curb the rising cases of dormitory fires before they escalate further.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
