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Kebirigo High School students were sent home on Saturday evening after a fire destroyed part of the school’s boarding facilities, disrupting learning and raising fresh concerns over safety in boarding schools.
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No fatalities or injuries were reported as authorities launch probe to reveal the cause of the fire.
Students at Kebirigo High School in Nyamira County were sent home on Saturday evening after a fire destroyed part of the school’s boarding facilities, disrupting learning and raising fresh concerns over safety in boarding schools.
The fire broke out at the school in West Mugirango Constituency, sending thick smoke billowing from the compound and causing panic among students, staff, and nearby residents. Preliminary reports indicate that one dormitory was extensively damaged, although some accounts suggest that two dormitories housing Form Three and Form Four students were affected.
Emergency responders, police officers, county disaster management teams, and local residents rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other buildings. Efforts were also made to salvage students’ belongings from the affected structures.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, and all students were accounted for after the incident. Security personnel secured the affected area as authorities began assessing the extent of the damage.
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The cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any foul play was involved.
School administrators directed students to return home as a precautionary measure while safety assessments are conducted and plans for repairs are put in place.
Attempts to reach Chief Principal Clement Nyang’acha for comment were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
Parents who spoke after the incident called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice if criminal activity is established. They also questioned the effectiveness of surveillance systems installed in schools in helping identify perpetrators of previous incidents.
The fire has renewed concerns over the safety of boarding schools across the country, following a series of similar incidents reported in recent months. Education stakeholders have continued to advocate for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, including adequate emergency exits, regular inspections, and measures to prevent overcrowding in dormitories.
Parents and guardians were advised to collect their children from the school as classes for the affected students were temporarily suspended. The County Education Office said it would work closely with the school management and board to facilitate the resumption of learning once all safety checks have been completed.
By Enock Okong’o
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