Government pathologist officers walk outside Hillside Endarasha Academy, after a tragic blaze claimed and maimed several students, in Kieni, Nyeri County, Kenya, on September 7th, 2024.
Kenya has declared three days of national mourning beginning Monday, following a devastating blaze at a central boarding school that left at least 21 students dead.
Heartbroken parents and relatives converged at Naromoru hospital for DNA tests, four days after the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy rendered some victims unrecognizable.
The dormitory, which housed 156 pupils, saw most escape the inferno. However, 17 children are still missing, leaving the community in agony.
John Mwangi remains uncertain about his child’s fate, a student at the ill-fated school.
“We await hopeful news; it’s a relief for 20 parents. I might be one of them, I just don’t know… that’s why we are here, holding onto hope,” he expressed.
Some distraught parents and relatives have taken to camping at the school, demanding answers.
Chief government pathologist, Johansen Oduor, stressed the importance of DNA testing for family closure.
“We will commence DNA collection at the hospital by the government chemist, followed by autopsies on Tuesday,” Oduor explained. “The autopsies will ascertain causes of death and collect DNA samples to match parents with their children.”
The Red Cross and the Ministry of Health have stepped in to offer support to the affected families.
“Our emergency disaster preparedness and response team is here,” Deborah Barasa, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for health, stated. “Counselors, mental health, and psychosocial support services, as well as forensic teams, are on the ground aiding in every possible way.”
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with ongoing investigations.
Recent years have seen several fire incidents in Kenyan boarding schools, raising national alarm about safety standards.
A 2020 report by Kenya’s auditor general highlighted the lack of proper firefighting equipment and non-compliance with dormitory construction regulations in many schools.
Education cabinet secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the need for a policy review.
“Maybe it’s time for us to revisit our regulations, and consider transitioning them into enforceable laws,” Ogamba suggested. “Penalties should be imposed on violators to ensure compliance.”
Kenya’s most fatal school fire in 2001 resulted in the deaths of at least 67 students at Kyanguli High School in the southeast.
As the nation observes three days of mourning, experts insist that the government must take more robust measures to protect students.
