Nyeri County, Kenya – In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, 18 pupils tragically lost their lives in a fire that swept through Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County early Friday morning. The inferno, which broke out in the pre-dawn hours, has left the community in mourning and prompted calls for thorough investigations into the cause of the fire.
Benter Opande, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers, joined other leaders in expressing her profound sorrow over the loss of young lives. In a heartfelt statement, she conveyed her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the survivors. “My thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news and is highly regrettable,” she said.
The fire, which has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in schools, is being thoroughly investigated by relevant authorities. While the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, investigators are working around the clock to determine what led to the horrific event. CEO Opande urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculating on the incident until the official investigation is concluded. “We pray for a speedy recovery for the survivors, and as investigations continue, we call for calm and patience. It’s important that we wait for the accredited institutions to complete their work,” she added.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country, with parents, educators, and leaders calling for increased safety measures in schools to prevent such incidents in the future. The loss of these young lives has underscored the need for stricter regulations and regular safety inspections in educational institutions.
In the wake of the tragedy, the school community and the larger Nyeri County are coming together to support the affected families. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives of the children who perished in the fire, with communities across Kenya sharing in the grief.
As the nation mourns, the focus remains on the survivors and the ongoing investigations. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to uncover the cause of the fire and to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again. In the meantime, the thoughts and prayers of the entire nation are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.