19 Endarasha students still unidentified despite all 330 being accounted for

The government has confirmed that all 330 students at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County, including 166 girls and 164 boys, have been accounted for.

However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the identities of 19 boys who died in the tragic fire on Friday remain unknown.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Mwaura revealed that 21 pupils lost their lives following the fire at the private primary school located in Kieni.

“Two boys died while undergoing treatment in the hospital, while the bodies of 19 others were recovered from the burnt dormitory,” Mwaura said.

He added that all the girls have returned home safely, but the parents of the 19 deceased boys are yet to identify their children.

"Out of the 330 pupils in the school's boarding facility—166 girls and 164 boys—all the girls have returned home safely to their parents, and all the boys have been accounted for. However, the parents of the 19 deceased boys have not yet identified their children,” Mwaura said.

He noted that autopsies are being conducted at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital to assist in the identification process.

"During this process, the families will also receive mental health and psychosocial support,” Mwaura said.

In response to the fire, the Ministry of Health has deployed essential medical supplies and is coordinating blood donations and counselling services in Nyeri, with assistance from organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the Kenya Red Cross.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, addressing media at KICC, Nairobi, on September 5, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

The government has also pledged to take legal action against those responsible for the wave of school fires that occurred over the weekend.

In addition to the tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy, fires broke out at Isiolo Girls High School on Saturday, Bukhalarire Secondary in Busia County, and Ortum Boys High School in West Pokot County.

“At Isiolo Girls High School, no fatalities were reported, but three students sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, at Bukhalarire Secondary, a dormitory fire caused no casualties,” Mwaura said.

He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the fires.

"While the cause of the fires has not yet been conclusively identified, the government confirms that it has mobilised all relevant agencies and continues to work diligently to conduct thorough investigations. Those found responsible will be brought to justice,” Mwaura said.

President William Ruto has also called for a speedy conclusion of the investigation into the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy.

He further directed the Interior and Education ministries to enforce compliance with school boarding regulations.