David Kinyua, the proprietor of Hillside Endarasha Academy, has announced plans to significantly decrease the number of students residing at the school.
This decision follows the devastating fire on September 6, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 21 students and left several others injured.
In a statement to the press on Tuesday, Kinyua revealed that the number of boarding students will be cut from 330 to 195.
“We have decided to reduce the number of boarding students to ensure better safety and management.
We will prioritize allowing those who live nearby to return home, thereby reducing the number of students who stay in the dormitories,” Kinyua explained.
Currently, the school has 97 dormitories for boys and 98 for girls.
The reduction in boarding students will leave some dormitories available for full-time use, with 164 boys and 166 girls previously enrolled.
The school administration is working to stabilize operations and recover from the tragedy.
A meeting with the parents of the students is planned to discuss these changes and address any concerns.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has reported that, according to initial findings, of the 156 boys in the affected dormitory, 140 have been reunited with their families.
All 166 girls who were in the school at the time are also safe with their parents.
The DCI confirmed that two of the five boys who were hospitalized following the fire have since died, and 19 bodies were recovered from the destroyed dormitory, bringing the total death toll to 21.
The school, which had 330 boarders including 166 girls and 164 boys, saw eight boys who had not yet returned for the third term at the time of the fire.
In addition, the DCI has reported that DNA samples have been collected from the families of the deceased to match with the unidentifiable remains.
Autopsies on the 21 bodies were completed on September 12.
Investigations are ongoing, including interviews with persons of interest.