Eight students have been arrested in Kenya following a deadly arson attack at a secondary school in central Kenya that killed at least 10 pupils and injured dozens more. The UK government has offered forensic support to assist the investigation, signalling a deepening of bilateral cooperation on security matters.
The fire broke out late on Tuesday night at the Moi Girls School in Nyeri County, 150 kilometres north of Nairobi. Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed a dormitory housing 150 students. The blaze was contained within hours, but the death toll is expected to rise, with 12 pupils still unaccounted for.
Kenyan police confirmed that eight students, all aged between 14 and 17, are in custody. They are suspected of starting the fire following a dispute with school administration. “We have credible information that this was a planned act,” said Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti. “The suspects will face charges of murder and arson.”
The UK’s offer of forensic assistance comes through the British High Commission in Nairobi. A spokesperson said: “The UK stands ready to provide expertise in forensic investigation to support Kenyan authorities in establishing the full circumstances of this tragedy.” The offer includes advanced fire-scene analysis and digital forensics.
The attack has reignited debate over school safety in Kenya, where arson attacks have become a recurrent issue. In 2016, a fire at a girls’ school in Kilifi County killed eight students, leading to the arrest of six pupils. The government has since introduced stricter fire safety regulations, but enforcement remains patchy.
President William Ruto condemned the incident, calling it “a heinous act of violence” and promising a full investigation. Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu announced immediate closure of all boarding schools in Nyeri County for a safety audit.
The UK’s role is not new. Britain has been a key partner in Kenya’s counter-terrorism and policing efforts, providing training and equipment. The forensic support offer underscores the strategic relationship, but also highlights the deep-seated challenges within Kenya’s educational institutions.
For the families of the victims, the focus remains on identifying the dead. The school has set up a crisis centre, and counsellors are on site. As the investigation continues, the arrests of the eight students indicate that the authorities are moving quickly to hold those responsible to account.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.
