Fires have recently broken out at two schools in Kenya, including a girls’ school in central Kenya and a boarding school where 21 boys were killed in an inferno. The latest fire occurred at Isiolo Girls High School, with two to three buildings reported on fire. Firefighters and other responders were quick to contain the blaze, with assistance from Kenya Defence Forces and Isiolo airport fire engines. The incident caused panic among parents and locals, as the school is located about 140km away from the previous school fire.
The Hillside Endarasha Academy was the site of the previous tragedy, where a fire tore through a dormitory killing 21 boys and injuring 27 others. Unfortunately, school fires, especially in boarding schools, are not uncommon in Kenya. Authorities have blamed arson as the primary cause of many of these incidents, with students often found to be responsible. In 2016, 130 cases of school burnings related to student unrest were documented, and in 2018, at least 63 arson cases were reported according to parliamentary records. The University of Nairobi researcher Isaac Muasya found that arson is the leading cause of school fires, along with faulty electrical appliances and flammable substances.
The high number of school fires in Kenya has raised concerns about the safety of students and the need for better fire prevention measures. In many cases, school fires have resulted in injuries and deaths, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of these incidents. Authorities have called for increased vigilance, fire safety training, and awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies. The recent fires at Isiolo Girls High School and Hillside Endarasha Academy have once again brought attention to the issue of school safety in Kenya.
The response to the school fires in Kenya has been swift, with firefighters, police, and other emergency services working to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of students and staff. The Kenya Red Cross has been activated to provide assistance and support to those affected by the fires. The incidents have also prompted discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in schools and better supervision of students to prevent arson. The tragic loss of life in the recent fires has underscored the importance of taking proactive measures to protect students and prevent future disasters.
In conclusion, the recent school fires in Kenya have once again highlighted the importance of fire safety and prevention in educational institutions. The incidents at Isiolo Girls High School and Hillside Endarasha Academy have raised concerns about the prevalence of arson in school fires and the need for better measures to protect students and property. Authorities are working to improve fire safety regulations and raise awareness about the risks of arson and other causes of school fires. By addressing these issues, Kenya can create a safer environment for students and prevent future tragedies from occurring.
