Sixteen students have been killed in a fire at a boarding school in Gilgil, about 120km (77 miles) north-west of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the authorities have confirmed
Dozens of other students were injured and taken to hospital – 71 were later discharged and seven admitted for further treatment, Education Minister Julius Ogamba said while visiting the scene of the blaze. He said the cause of the fire had not yet been established and investigations were ongoing.
The fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy started in the early hours of Thursday as the students were asleep.
Anxious parents and relatives have been gathering at the scene waiting for news of their loved ones.
The education minister said the fire broke out on the first floor of one of the dormitories, which was “completely destroyed” in the blaze.
“The response teams managed to put out the fire by about 03:00, but by then the damage had already been done,” he said.
He added that the school would begin releasing students to their parents and guardians throughout the day as authorities continue investigations.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, who was also among the officials gathered at the school, sent his condolences to the bereaved families.
“It’s a very anxious moment and even as we account for the 16 so far identified as having passed on, I want to ask the people of Kenya that together we stand with the families… in prayer, in support.
“I ask everyone to be patient and avoid speculation,” he said.
Earlier speaking to parents and crowds outside the school, police commander Masoud Mwinyi said: “It is a sad and distressing situation.”
Reuters A two-storey dormitory building. Burn marks can be seen coming up on the external walls of the first floor.Reuters
The fire is believed to have started on the first floor of the dormitory
Fires are not uncommon in Kenyan boarding schools, with several deadly incidents reported in recent years. Many have been the result of arson, with disgruntled pupils – angry about the discipline and living conditions – accused of being responsible, while others were caused by accident.
Overcrowding in dormitories and the failure to follow safety guidelines, such as keeping exits clear and windows unlocked, have frequently been blamed for the high number of casualties.
According to the police, the fire in Gilgil broke out around 01:00 local time (22:00 GMT Wednesday) and engulfed a dormitory block housing about 220 students.
More than 800 children were in the school at the time of the tragedy.
