Deadly Fire at Kenyan Boarding School Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured
A devastating fire broke out at a girls' boarding school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, during the night between Wednesday and Thursday. The blaze has since been brought under control, but the incident has left a tragic toll, with at least several dozen girls reported dead and many more injured. Yle reports that the exact number of victims remains unconfirmed, citing sources such as AFP and Reuters.
Dozens of students were rushed to hospital following the fire. Ilta-Sanomat states that 71 of the injured students were later discharged, while seven required further treatment. Some students sustained injuries after jumping from windows on the building’s upper floors in an attempt to escape the flames. The school is located in the village of Gilgil, approximately 120 kilometers from Nairobi.
Authorities have launched a search operation, with 50 police officers combing the surrounding area for students who fled the fire. Ilta-Sanomat notes that many individuals were seen outside the school during the night, according to police reports. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with investigations ongoing.
Kenya has a history of school fires, many of which have been linked to arson. Ilta-Sanomat highlights that in 2018, at least 60 fires occurred in schools across the country, with most attributed to students protesting harsh disciplinary measures and poor living conditions, as reported by Reuters. The Gilgil incident adds to this troubling pattern, raising concerns about safety and security in the country’s educational institutions.
