Africa-Press. Authorities in Kenya have arrested eight students on suspicion of involvement in a fire at a girls’ boarding school that resulted in the deaths of 16 students, according to a statement from local police.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the “Otomichi Girls Academy Senior School” in Gilgil, located in central-western Kenya, and also injured 79 students.
Fires are a common occurrence in Kenyan schools, with research indicating that many are set by students protesting against harsh disciplinary measures and poor living conditions.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations stated in a report: “Initial investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest regarding the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack.” The report added: “The eight girls have been detained and are currently in police custody.”
Meanwhile, Education Minister Julius Ogamba stated at a press conference that preliminary investigations revealed that two teachers at the secondary school were informed of the students’ alleged plans but did not take any action to prevent it.
He also noted that the school had failed to adhere to safety regulations, pointing to overcrowding in the dormitories and the closure of the emergency exit during the fire.
Ogamba explained that the government has decided to dissolve the school’s management board and will take appropriate legal and disciplinary action against any staff member found negligent in their duties.
In 2024, a fire at a primary boarding school in Nyeri County, central Kenya, resulted in the deaths of 21 students, and its causes have not yet been definitively determined.
The worst school fire in recent years occurred in 2001 at “Kyanguli” Secondary School outside Nairobi, which resulted in the deaths of 67 students, with authorities attributing the incident to deliberate arson.
