In a tragic incident that has shaken the nation, eight students have been arrested in Kenya following a deadly arson attack at a secondary school. The fire, which broke out late Monday night, claimed the lives of at least 10 students and injured dozens more. The suspects, all students aged between 14 and 17, are believed to have set the dormitory ablaze following a dispute over school rules.
The attack occurred at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, about 150 kilometres north of Nairobi. According to local police, the fire started around midnight, trapping many students in their sleep. Survivors described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed the building. “We heard screams and saw smoke everywhere. Some jumped from windows to escape,” said a 16-year-old survivor, who asked not to be named.
Police have launched a full investigation, and the eight arrested students are currently in custody awaiting charges. “We have recovered a jerry can and matches from the scene. This was a premeditated act,” said Nyeri County police commander John Mwangi. The motive remains unclear, but preliminary reports suggest tensions over disciplinary measures. “There had been complaints about strict rules and punishments. The students were angry,” a teacher told reporters.
The Kenyan education ministry has condemned the attack. “This is a stark reminder of the pressures our children face. We urge calm and restraint,” said Education Minister Julius Ogamba. The government has pledged to review safety protocols in schools. “We cannot allow such tragedies to repeat. Every child must feel safe in their learning environment,” Ogamba added.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about school governance and student welfare in Kenya. Over the past decade, there have been multiple school fires, many linked to student protests. “This is a symptom of a deeper crisis. We need to listen to our children and address their grievances before it’s too late,” said Dr. Anne Mwangi, a child psychologist in Nairobi. Parents and activists have called for better mental health support and conflict resolution mechanisms in schools.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families are mourning. “My daughter was a bright girl with dreams of becoming a doctor. Now she is gone,” said a grieving father at the scene. The hospital where the injured are being treated reports that four students remain in critical condition. The community has held vigil at the school gates, lighting candles and praying for the wounded.
As the country grapples with shock, the focus now turns to justice and prevention. The arrested students face charges of arson and murder. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment. But for many, the question remains: what drives children to such extremes? The answer, experts say, lies in a system that often punishes rather than nurtures. “We must invest in dialogue, not detention,” said Dr. Mwangi.
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a stark warning that the pressures of school life can have deadly consequences. As Kenyans demand answers, the government must recognise that safety is not just about locks and drills but about creating an environment where students feel heard and valued.
