Fire in school dorm in Kenya kills 17 students, seriously burns 13, police say
CBSAug 30
Kenya: Dormitory Fire Claims at Least 17 Student Lives
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Above: Pupils headed back to school in Nairobi, Kenya on May 13, 2024. Image copyright: Donwilson Odhiambo/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
At least 17 children have died and 13 others have been seriously burned after a fire ripped through the dormitory of a boarding school, Hillside Endarasha Primary, in the Kenyan county of Nyeri Thursday night. The death toll could potentially rise according to officials.
According to a government official, the victims of the fire were boys between the ages of nine and 13. The children were sleeping when their dorm was engulfed in flames, burning their bodies beyond recognition.
The Spin
Narrative A
Another boarding school, another blaze, and another loss of innocent lives — Kenya has suffered yet another fatal school fire. The country's education system isn't designed to handle school fires, many of which have turned out to be arson, allegedly fueled by drug abuse, overcrowding, and living conditions. It's urgent to bring attention to the lack of safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.
Narrative B
Though the cause of the fire remains unknown, those responsible will be held accountable. Additionally, the government will review the security management of all boarding schools and ask school administrators to follow safety guidelines recommended by the education ministry. While this tragic incident is being thoroughly investigated, health agencies have been mobilizing to support parents and the school community.
