- St. Paul’s Nyankanda Secondary School has been closed indefinitely after a fire destroyed a boys’ dormitory.
- Six students have been arrested as police investigate the cause of the fire.
- Education officials say male students have been sent home to allow assessment of the damage and repairs.
St. Paul’s Nyankanda Secondary School in Monyerero Ward, Kitutu Chache North Constituency, Kisii County, has been closed indefinitely after a fire destroyed the boys’ dormitory and property worth thousands of shillings.
Marani Sub-County Director of Education Justus Kimei confirmed the closure, saying the school management resolved to send all male students home to facilitate damage assessment and repairs.
“The school management agreed to send the boys home so that they can take stock of the damaged property and repair the affected structures before learners return,” said Kimei.
He said the school administration would work with relevant authorities to establish the full extent of the damage before reopening.
Six students arrested
Kimei confirmed that six suspects had been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He said the parents of the suspects had been summoned to accompany them to the police station, where statements would be recorded to assist with investigations.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been established, but the suspects are cooperating with investigators. Their information may help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday night, razed the boys’ dormitory, destroying bedding, books, school uniforms and other personal belongings.
No injuries were reported.
The affected dormitory accommodated more than 200 boys, who have now been sent home pending completion of repairs and investigations.
Call for dialogue
Kimei condemned the incident and urged learners, parents and teachers to resolve grievances through dialogue rather than destruction of school property.
“We cannot continue losing learning time and school property because of indiscipline. Anyone found responsible will face the full force of the law,” he said.
Parents have been urged to remain calm as the Ministry of Education and the school’s Board of Management develop plans for reopening.
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The school has also appealed to the Government and well-wishers to support reconstruction of the destroyed dormitory.
Police said investigations are continuing and did not rule out further arrests.
By Enock Okongó
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