Past school fires that claimed student lives in Kenya (List)

A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri on Thursday night has so far claimed the lives of at least 17 pupils.

The fire, which ravaged their dormitory, left the students burnt beyond recognition and has become one of the worst school fire tragedies in Kenya's history.

 This disaster has once again brought to the forefront the painful memories of similar incidents that have shocked the nation over the years.

 Moi Girls High School Fire – 2017

On September 1, 2017, Moi Girls High School in Kabarnet experienced a tragedy when a fire consumed the Kabarnet dormitory, killing 10 students.

The blaze was started by a 14-year-old student, who had previously shown classmates how she could use a matchbox for casting spells.

Convicted of manslaughter, she was sentenced to five years in prison. This fire highlighted the dire need for stricter fire safety protocols in schools.

 Asumbi Girls Boarding Primary School – 2012

In August 2012, a fire at Asumbi Girls Boarding Primary School in Homa Bay County claimed the lives of eight young pupils.

The fire, believed to be caused by an electrical fault, was exacerbated by barred windows and a locked dormitory, which prevented the girls from escaping or receiving help.

A signage painted on a wall at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri. (Photo: Handout)

Endarasha Boys Secondary School Fire – 2010

On October 17, 2010, Endarasha Boys Secondary School in Nyeri was the scene of a tragic fire that claimed the lives of two form-one students.

 The blaze was set by 11 students, who were later charged with murder and later acquitted. 

The fire's cause was linked to student conflicts and issues within the school, emphasising the urgent need for improved student management and safety measures.

 Kyanguli Secondary School Fire – 2001

The Kyanguli Secondary School fire in Machakos County in 2001 remains the deadliest school fire in Kenya's history. Sixty-seven boys died when two disgruntled students set fire to a dormitory.

The arsonists used petrol to ignite the blaze in the middle of the night, leading to a tragic loss of life.

The fire was fuelled by grievances over fee arrears and previous disciplinary actions, marking a dark chapter in Kenya's educational history.

Bombolulu Girls Secondary School Fire – 1998

The Bombolulu Girls Secondary School fire in 1998 is one of Kenya's most horrific school fires. Twenty-six girls died when the overcrowded dormitory caught fire.

The dormitory had only one accessible door, locked from outside, and barred windows, which trapped the students inside.

The lack of fire extinguishers and proper emergency exits contributed to the high casualty rate. The school was subsequently renamed Mazeras Memorial Girls' School in honour of the victims.

Nyeri High School Fire – 1999

A tragic incident occurred at Nyeri High School in 1999 when students seeking revenge set fire to the dormitory, killing four prefects.

The attack was carried out by students who had been suspended and who returned to the school with the intent of retaliation.

Parents camp at Endarasha Hill Academy in Nyeri on Thursday, September 5, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

The incident highlighted significant issues with student discipline and safety measures.

St. Kizito Secondary School Tigania – 1991

One of the most brutal school fires in Kenya's history occurred at St. Kizito Secondary School in Tigania in 1991.

Nineteen girls were killed when boys, having short-circuited the school's electricity to cause a power outage, attacked their dormitory.

The girls, seeking refuge in a dormitory they believed to be safe, were later brutally assaulted and killed.

The attack involved stones and other violent means, resulting in a horrific loss of life and numerous injuries.

As Kenya grieves the loss of 17 young lives at Hillside Endarasha Academy, these past tragedies remind us of the critical need for enhanced fire safety measures and effective management within schools.

The nation hopes that this latest disaster will lead to substantial reforms to prevent future tragedies and safeguard students across the country.