Nairobi, Sep 6 (EFE).- At least 17 children have died and 14 suffered injuries in a fire at a primary school in central Kenya, police said Friday.
The fire engulfed Hillside Endarasha Academy, a boarding school in Kieni, Nyeri County, on Thursday night.
«We have 17 students dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and taking the necessary measures,» police spokesperson Resila Onyango said.
«Sixteen children were burned beyond recognition, while one died on the way to the hospital,» Onyango said.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow over the tragedy and ordered a full investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news,” Ruto wrote on X.
Ruto said he instructed relevant authorities to “thoroughly investigate this horrific incident.”
“Those responsible will be held to account.”
He said the government was mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families.
Former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga also expressed his «deepest condolences to the families, friends, and school community affected by the devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy,» in a message posted on X.
The Kenya Red Cross said its workers, alongside a multi-agency response team, was on the ground responding following the tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
“Eleven children have been taken to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital. The scene is currently cordoned off by the (police),” the aid agency said.
“Additionally, the Kenya Red Cross is providing psychosocial support services to the pupils, teachers and affected families and has set up a tracing desk at the school.” EFE
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