September 06, (THEWILL) – At least 17 pupils have been killed and 13 others seriously burned after a fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county, Kenya, on Thursday night.
Police said the fire started at about midnight, with flames engulfing the dormitory as pupils slept.
The fire had burnt the students beyond recognition, Kenya Citizen Television said earlier.
While the cause of the fire is being investigated, authorities say the death toll may rise.
The school has been cordoned off, Kenya Red Cross said on X, adding that it was providing “psychosocial support services” to those affected by “the tragic fire incident”.
In a post on X, President William Ruto called on the authorities “to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident” and hold those responsible to account.
On his part, Kenya Vice President, Rigathi Gachagua, urged school administrators to ensure that safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry for boarding schools are being followed.
