Gov't donates rice, beans after 17 killed in dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy
The government has
announced a raft of measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the Thursday
night dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, which has so
far claimed the lives of 17 learners.
In a statement on
Friday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura highlighted that 50 bags of rice and
an equal amount of beans had been dispatched to the institution, along
with 100 blankets and 100 mattresses.
"50 bags of rice
and 50 bags of beans are en route to the site via Special Programs. 100
mattresses and 100 blankets are also being dispatched with an estimated arrival
time of 1300hrs (1 pm)," he said.
Mwaura added that the
Ministry of Health and the Nyeri County Government Health Department are onsite
and assessing the medical needs of survivors.
"The Pankaj
Foundation has donated 50 first aid kits which will be sent to the site today
via ODP. MP Shah Hospital is also sending medical consumables," he said.
Mwaura added
that the Kenya Red Cross is also on-site and providing counselling services to
survivors and families of the victims.
"Additionally,
tents, blankets and medical supplies are being coordinated by Red Cross and
Special Programs. National and County education officials are coordinating
efforts on the ground and liaising with parents and the local community."
"The government is
fully committed to supporting the victims, their families and the broader
school community during this incredibly difficult time. We are working closely
with all relevant agencies and other key stakeholders to provide necessary
support."
Reports indicate that the fire broke out at around
11 pm, with firefighters from Kiawara initially responding to the inferno.
However, they sought assistance from the Nyeri Fire
Brigade after realizing that the fire was too large to handle alone.
The Nyeri firefighters arrived at the scene around 3
a.m., but by that time, the damage had already been significant.
In a statement Friday, Education Principal Secretary
(PS) Dr Belio Kipsang highlighted that all occupants of the ill-fated dormitory were boys.
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