Hillside Endarasha Academy shuts boarding section, reopens as day school
The school's reopening marks a new chapter following the tragic inferno, with a wall now erected to seal off the former dormitory area that housed over 300 students.
Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri has reopened its doors for the new academic year, just three months after a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 21 students.
On Tuesday, the school resumed operations for the first term of 2024, but with a significant change: it has now fully transitioned into a day school, abandoning its boarding facilities entirely.
More To Read
- Consent agreement ends legal battle over Hillside Endarasha Academy's boarding facilities
- Unsafe boarding schools: State urges parents to move children ahead of reopening on January 6
- Nyeri's Hillside Endarasha Academy to transition to full day school following tragic fire
- MPs urge Education Ministry to reverse closure of 348 boarding schools
- Court allows reopening of Hillside Endarasha boarding facilities for KPSEA
- Court orders Education CS to give safety report on Hillside Endarasha Academy
The school's reopening marks a new chapter following the tragic inferno, with a wall now erected to seal off the former dormitory area that housed over 300 students.
This shift in structure is accompanied by changes in the school's look, including a new colour scheme, reflecting the institution's efforts to rebuild and recover from the tragic event.
Despite the heartbreaking past, parents expressed their hope and optimism for a brighter future as they returned their children to the academy.
Many highlighted the school's strong academic performance over the years as their key reason for bringing their children back.
"We expect a good performance from the learners. We've spoken to them and they've come to terms with the aftermath of the fire. It was an unfortunate incident but it happens in other schools," said Margaret Ndirangu, a parent.
Samuel Gitonga, another parent, echoed similar sentiments.
"We've brought back our children because of the school's past performances in national exams. The school will continue to excel alongside our children," he said.
The Ministry of Education gave the school a clean bill of health to resume operations, and parents are optimistic about the upcoming academic year.
"We have brought our children and many more are streaming in. I think they might even need to build more classes to accommodate them," said Teresa Wamuyu, a parent, as she commended the school's swift recovery and readiness for the new term.
"The school's owner has conformed to the government's requirements. The school has changed; they've given it a facelift and we believe it can resume operations without any hitches," said Ruth Ndirangu.
The school's management has already informed the Nyeri High Court of its decision to permanently shut down the boarding section, a move that officially took effect on December 20, 2024.
Top Stories Today
- Kenya to make all foreign deals public in new transparency push – Mudavadi
- CJ Koome appoints bench to hear petitions on removal of Supreme Court judges
- Suspects arrested for throwing shoe at Ruto freed as investigators say it was an accident
- Gen Z-led protests, floods dent Kenya's economic growth in 2024
- President Ruto receives final IEBC nominees report from selection panel
- Kenya’s economic output rises 8 per cent to hit Sh16.22 trillion in 2024
- Five arrested after explosives hidden in milk carton are found on passenger bus
- Broken promises: Slum residents struggle for clean water as hygiene crisis deepens
- Explosions heard in Sudanese city of Port Sudan, witness says
- Taxpayers to fund Sh2.3 billion State House, lodges facelift
- AU, IGAD step up efforts to revive South Sudan's stalled peace process
- TSC begins search for new CEO as Nancy Macharia’s tenure nears end
- TSC declares over 2,000 teaching posts vacant in bid to fill staffing gaps
- Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale among regions to be affected by power blackouts
- Papal conclave: All cardinals who will elect new pope arrive in Rome
- Sudan's RSF launches second drone attack in Port Sudan
- I wasn't invited to elect Pope Francis' successor - Cardinal Njue
- E-mobility drive: Kenya Power to install 45 EV charging stations
- National campaign launched to tackle GBV and femicide
- Bobi Wine aide brought to court limping, charged and remanded
