Education PS Belio Kipsang shares new info about Hillside Endarasha Academy fire

The fire, which broke out at about 1:00 a.m., also left 14 other students with serious injuries.

They are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. Mt Kenya Hospital has been designated as the main trauma center to handle related matters.

The fire is one of the deadliest school incidents in recent memory, prompting swift action from the government.

Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County Pulse Live Kenya

The Ministry of Education has partnered with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, as well as the Ministry of Health, to manage the situation and provide medical attention to the injured students.

Hillside Endarasha Academy has a total student enrollment of 824, consisting of 402 boys and 422 girls.

Of these, 316 students were boarding at the time of the fire. All the 156 boys boarders were accommodated in the ill-fated dormitory.

The authorities are currently tracing those who were accommodated in the dormitory to determine the identities of the those affected because some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

Nyeri County leaders have asked parents who went home with their children following the fire to inform the school and help in accounting for them.

They have been urged to take the students to hospital for check up incase any of them inhaled a lot of smoke or got other injuries.

Hillside Endarasha Academy Hillside Endarasha Academy Pulse Live Kenya

According to Government Spokesperson Issac Mwaura, the affected dormitory housed boys from Grades 4 to 8.

In response to the tragedy, President William Ruto directed authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

The Ministry of Education is now coordinating efforts with security agencies to ensure a swift and thorough probe.

A team of DCI scene of crime officers, supported by the Government Chemist are assisting in forensic analysis, has been dispatched to the school to investigate the cause of the fire, and the police have cordoned off the area.

Hillside Endarasha Academy Hillside Endarasha Academy Pulse Live Kenya

Those found responsible will be held accountable for the horrific incident.

The Ministry has extended its condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

In the statement, Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and committed to ensuring that affected families receive all necessary support.

PS Belio Kipsang Babu Owino speaks out after PS Belio Kipsang called out untrained teachers offering online classes Pulse Live Kenya

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, who was on an official trip to China at the time, is returning to Kenya to oversee the situation and lead the government's response efforts.

This tragic incident raises concerns over fire safety in schools across Kenya, with past incidents sparking discussions on improving emergency preparedness and infrastructure in learning institutions.

Authorities are expected to provide more details on the investigation in the coming days, as the nation mourns the loss of young lives.

In response to the immediate needs of those affected, the following interventions have been put in place:

Dry Food Supplies:

50 bags of rice and 50 bags of beans are being delivered to the site, coordinated by Special Programs.

100 mattresses and 100 blankets are also en route.

Medical Aid:

The Pankaj Foundation has donated 50 first aid kits, which are expected to arrive shortly.

MP Shah Hospital is sending medical consumables to support the efforts at local hospitals.

Mathari Mission Hospital and Nyeri County Referral Hospital are receiving and treating the injured students.