Eight students have been arrested in Kenya following a devastating arson attack at a secondary school that claimed the lives of at least 14 pupils. The fire, which broke out late on Tuesday night at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, has sent shockwaves through the nation. British Commonwealth observers, already stationed in the country to monitor upcoming elections, have been placed on high alert as protests escalate.
The arrested students, all aged between 14 and 17, are suspected of starting the blaze during a dormitory dispute. Police say the fire spread rapidly due to overcrowded sleeping quarters and lack of fire escapes. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as teenagers jumped from windows to escape the flames. “We heard screaming. Some boys were trapped. It took hours to bring the fire under control,” said a neighbour.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has declared three days of national mourning. In a televised address, he called the incident a “deep tragedy” and vowed to strengthen school safety regulations. “We must ensure no parent has to bury a child because of negligence,” he said.
The British High Commission in Nairobi confirmed it is in contact with Commonwealth observers, who are assessing the situation. London has offered forensic support if needed.
This latest disaster highlights persistent failures in Kenya’s education system. Many boarding schools, especially in rural areas, remain poorly equipped with fire safety equipment and adequate staffing. Union leaders blame underfunding and privatisation for eroding standards.
For the families of the victims, the trauma is raw. Outside the school gates, anguished mothers clutched photos of their children. “He was a good boy. He wanted to be a doctor,” one sobbed. The eight suspects are due in court on Friday.
