This story at a glance…

1.  A fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kenya killed 17 students and injured 14 others, with 70 children still missing.

2. The fire broke out in the boys’ dormitory late Thursday night, with authorities still uncertain about the cause.

3. Distraught parents rushed to the school, some collecting their children without notifying officials, complicating the search efforts.

4. President Ruto has promised a thorough investigation, as the nation mourns another tragic school fire amidst a history of similar incidents.

A Tragic Night at Boarding School

A devastating fire swept through a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya, late Thursday night, leaving at least 17 students dead and 14 injured. As of Friday morning, 70 children remained unaccounted for, sending shockwaves through the community and the nation.

A Night of Terror and Loss
The fire erupted around midnight in the male dormitory of the private boarding school, home to more than 150 boys at the time. The flames spread rapidly, leaving little time for students to escape. Resila Onyango, a spokesperson for the Kenya National Police Service, reported that the bodies of those who perished were "burnt beyond recognition," underscoring the intensity of the blaze. "The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but we will update the public when we know more," Onyango said.

The Hillside Endarasha Academy, a mixed private boarding school, is home to 824 students—402 boys and 422 girls—many of whom are boarders. In the wake of the disaster, authorities and rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors and identify those who remain missing.

Families Gripped by Fear and Uncertainty
As news of the tragedy spread, distraught parents rushed to the school, many arriving in tears and holding onto hope that their children were safe. The Kenyan Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, appealed to parents who had already collected their children to inform the school, hoping to account for the missing students. "We still have 70 kids that are unaccounted for—that does not mean they are perished or injured. The word is that they are unaccounted for. We are praying and hoping for the best," he shared at a press conference.

Government and Emergency Response
President William Ruto expressed his condolences on Friday, describing the event as “devastating news.” He emphasized that his thoughts were with the families of the children who lost their lives and assured the public that "relevant authorities will thoroughly investigate this horrific incident." He promised that those responsible would be held accountable and pledged government support for the affected families.

The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved, offering psychosocial support to grieving families, teachers, and students. A tracing desk has been set up at the school to assist in locating the missing children. The organization also reported that 11 children had been taken to the hospital, while the affected area has been cordoned off by police.

A Recurring Nightmare
School fires have become a worrying trend in Kenya, often attributed to overcrowding or deliberate arson. Similar incidents have claimed multiple lives in recent years, with one notable tragedy in 2017 where nine students died in a fire in Nairobi, later deemed an act of arson. Between 2015 and 2016, over 350 schools in Kenya caught fire, raising concerns about student safety and the adequacy of school infrastructure.

Reflection
This story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the deep pain that comes when it is lost unexpectedly. As we join in mourning for the lost and pray for those still missing, let us also remember the words of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." In times of sorrow, let us turn to God for comfort, knowing that He sees every tear and hears every cry. May we also lift up the families in prayer, asking for peace that transcends understanding and for God’s hand to be upon all who are affected. As a community, may we also offer support and comfort, embodying Christ's love to those in their deepest need.