Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, during a Press briefing at KICC Tower, Friday, September 13, 2024.
By Peace Muthoka.
In a devastating fire at Hillside School last week, 19 boys tragically lost their lives, leaving the country in shock. The fire, which swept through the dormitory as the students slept, has caused widespread grief, with four students now fighting for their lives in hospitals.
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, but investigations are still ongoing. Firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze, but for many students, it was too late.
Three survivors are currently receiving critical care at Mt. Kenya Hospital, while another, who sustained 70% burns, is undergoing intensive treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. Their conditions remain critical, but they are stable.
The fire has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and sorrow from leaders and the public. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior have dispatched support teams to assist the grieving families and ensure thorough investigations into the cause of the fire.
Addressing the media, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura expressed deep sadness, stating, “This is a dark and painful moment for our country. We mourn the loss of these young, bright souls and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families. We are committed to uncovering the cause of this fire and ensuring those affected receive the necessary support.”
The government has pledged full assistance to the families of the victims, including counseling services for both students and parents. A crisis response team has been deployed to coordinate ongoing support and ensure proper care for the survivors.
The Ministry of Education has also announced a nationwide safety review of all school dormitories to prevent future tragedies. “We will immediately review safety protocols in all boarding schools across the country to ensure the safety of our children,” Dr. Mwaura assured the public.
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Survivors’ families have expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response, though the pain of losing their children is overwhelming. The school administration is cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation.
In honor of the victims, the President has called for a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast for the next three days. The entire nation stands united in grief as we mourn the loss of these young lives.
The government is urging all schools to strictly enforce safety regulations, particularly in dormitories. This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the need for vigilance to protect the lives of our students.
As investigations continue, the government assures the public that any negligence contributing to the fire will be dealt with swiftly and firmly. The safety of students remains a top priority, and all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
