The British High Commission in Nairobi has issued a consular alert for UK nationals following the arrest of eight students in connection with a deadly arson attack at a secondary school in central Kenya. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday, has left at least two students dead and several others hospitalised with severe burns.
According to police reports, the fire was deliberately set in a dormitory at the Kipsigis High School in Kericho County, a region known for its tea plantations and highland terrain. The arrested students, all male and aged between 16 and 18, are believed to be part of a group that had been suspended earlier this week for disciplinary infractions. Local authorities suspect the arson was an act of retaliation against school administration.
Emergency services responded to the scene within thirty minutes, but the fire had already engulfed the wooden dormitory structure. Firefighters from the Kericho County government and nearby towns managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 23 students were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, while three remain in critical condition at the Kericho District Hospital.
The British consular notice, posted online at 0845 GMT, advised UK citizens in the Kericho area to avoid the vicinity of the school and to monitor local media for updates. It also reminded nationals that the High Commission can provide assistance with emergency travel documents and consular support for affected families.
The incident has reignited debate over school safety and discipline in Kenya. In 2019, a similar arson attack at a boarding school in Murang’a County killed five students, prompting the Ministry of Education to introduce stricter fire safety regulations. However, enforcement has been inconsistent. Educational experts point to overcrowded dormitories and inadequate fire drills as contributing factors.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences on social media, calling for a thorough investigation and promising swift legal action. The eight arrested students are expected to appear in court on Friday on charges of arson and murder. If convicted, they face life imprisonment under Kenyan law.
The arson comes amid heightened security concerns in the region. Kericho County has seen a rise in juvenile delinquency linked to unemployment and drug abuse. Community leaders have called for a review of school disciplinary policies, arguing that harsh punishments may be driving students to violence.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission continues to monitor the situation and is liaising with Kenyan authorities. UK nationals with concerns are advised to contact the High Commission’s consular hotline.
