Hillside Endarasha Academy students to resume classes on October 9 after fatal fire

Hillside Endarasha Academy is set to reopen on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 21 students.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Nyeri County Director of Education Jane Njogu said although parents were initially informed that classes would resume on Monday, the newly constructed dormitory’s floor is incomplete.

She noted that teams have been conducting various assessments in the institution, and the national office has also provided recommendations after an evaluation.

“We’ve looked at those recommendations against a close checklist, and when we went round, the team gave their recommendations. We realised that the school was on top gear. They are moving very fast and working 24/7,” she said, noting that substantial construction and reconstruction work has been done to ensure students are comfortable upon their return.

However, during a recent visit, she said it became evident that some work remained unfinished.

“When they came yesterday, we realised that there was some incomplete work, and the workers told us that it was not possible to complete it by Sunday. Though we had decided that the school opens on Monday, the workers convinced us that by Wednesday, they would be done,” Njogu said.

“The school has not been in session for a while, and we realised that parents were getting very anxious. The assessments for the rest of the classes, other than the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), have started. So, when they started asking questions, we wanted to come here and reassure them that all was well.”

To ensure the safety of students, Njogu said a team of officials will return on Monday, October 7, 2024, to confirm that all is in order.

“We have to ensure that everything is in place. We have settled for Wednesday, so that even if they complete before Wednesday, the school will take time to reorganise themselves, have staff meetings and the rest, to ensure that when the learners come in, those that are sitting for assessments, will just go on because the KNEC portal is already open,” she said.

The devastating fire broke out on September 6 in one of the dormitories at the school, which has a total of 843 registered pupils, including 330 boarders—164 boys and 166 girls.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led the bereaved families and mourners in an emotional mass funeral ceremony on September 26, at Mweiga Stadium in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

As the dust settles on their tiny graves, an uncomfortable silence envelops the events of the tragic night as so far, no one has been arrested or held accountable for the little ones' deaths, leaving lingering questions about justice for those who died.

The school's reopening coincides with the upcoming national exams. Grade 6 learners will participate in rehearsals for the KPSEA on October 25, with the actual exams scheduled for October 28 to 31.

Additionally, the Kenya Intermediate Learner Education Assessment (KILEA) for students with special needs will also take place during this period.

Notably, there will be no Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams this year, as the last cohort of 8-4-4 system students completed primary school last year.

The 2024 KCSE exams rehearsals are planned for October 18, with the main examinations running from October 22 to November 22.