Alliance High School sends students home after fire incident in mattress store

Students in Alliance High School, Kiambu County, have been sent home after a fire broke out in a mattress store located in one of the school's older dormitories.

The fire, which occurred on Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, was contained before it could spread to other facilities, with the school confirming that no student was injured during the incident.

The school administration said the decision to release students was taken as a precautionary measure.

In a statement to parents, Principal David Chomba assured them that all students remained safe under the school's care and that the fire had not affected learning facilities.

"We wish to inform you that an incident involving a small section of mattresses in one of the older dormitory facilities occurred within the school. We are grateful to report that the situation was promptly contained and managed by the school administration and relevant teams. Most importantly, all students are safe, accounted for, and continuing with their normal morning activities and academic routines," reads the statement.

Following the incident, parents and guardians were invited to a meeting to receive an update on the situation and to discuss measures being taken to safeguard student welfare and safety.

After the meeting, parents and guardians were expected to leave with their sons and spend the weekend together at home as the school carries out further assessments and preparations.

"This measure is intended solely to provide an opportunity for students to be with their families as the school undertakes further internal reviews and preparations to ensure continued normalcy and a conducive learning environment," Chomba said.

The incident comes at a time when several schools across the country have experienced unrest, with students at Nakuru Girls High School and Njoro Girls High School also having been sent home under unclear circumstances.

It also follows a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, in which 16 students lost their lives after a dormitory caught fire.

Meanwhile, Maranda High School in Siaya County is set to reopen this weekend for Form Four students after an indefinite closure caused by student unrest.

According to a directive issued by Chief Principal Edwin Namachanja and the school's Board of Management, the re-admission process will take place in phases on June 5 and June 6, 2026.

All students are required to report by 10:00 am and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The school has also attached strict financial conditions to the re-admission exercise. Parents will be required to clear all outstanding school fee arrears and pay a mandatory damage restitution fee of Sh2,695 per student before admission.