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.