Fatshimetrie, 09 September 2024 – The recent tragedy in Kenya, with the devastating fire that hit a primary school dormitory, has deeply moved the country and raised many questions about the safety of schools. The announcement by the Kenyan government to launch DNA tests to identify the victims marked the beginning of a painful process of verification and national mourning.
The fire at Hillside Academy in Endarasha, Nyeri County, claimed the lives of 21 boys and left about 15 others missing. The bereaved families are facing an unbearable wait, in anguish to know the fate of their children. Forensic operations to identify the victims have begun to allow relatives to grieve and pay their last respects to their loved ones.
The three days of national mourning declared by Kenyan President William Ruto underscore the magnitude of this tragedy and the need for the country to reflect and remember the lives lost. The counselling sessions provided by the Kenya Red Cross demonstrate the importance of supporting traumatised children and families through this difficult time.
This tragic incident highlights potential gaps in safety standards in Kenyan schools and raises concerns about the protection of children in these institutions. The authorities must conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causes of this tragedy and ensure that adequate measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies from happening again in the future.
In parallel, other recent school fires in Kenya raise concerns about student safety and risk prevention. The authorities must take immediate action to strengthen safety standards and ensure the protection of children in all schools in the country.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Kenya and expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims. It is essential that full light be shed on this tragedy to ensure that justice is done and that concrete measures are taken to prevent further tragedies of this nature. At this time of mourning and contemplation, the unity and solidarity of the Kenyan nation are more essential than ever to overcome this ordeal and honour the memory of the victims.