Police are investigating a troubling spike in school fires across the country, linking many of these incidents to arson.
Over the past week alone, more than 20 fires have been reported, raising significant concern.
Between September 1 and September 9, nine schools including one academy and eight secondary institutions were destroyed by fire.
The most tragic incident occurred on September 5 at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, where a blaze claimed the lives of 21 students and left 20 others injured.
Authorities have noted a concerning pattern in these incidents, with some cases possibly involving incitement.
The latest fire occurred at Wami Boys School in Isiolo on Monday night, where a dormitory was destroyed around 8:20 pm.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished with the assistance of a county fire engine.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
On Tuesday, a fire broke out at Ngombeni Girls High School in Kilifi South while students were in evening classes.
One dormitory housing 160 students was damaged.
Thanks to the efforts of students, staff, and the Kilifi County Fire Brigade, the fire was brought under control.
There were no casualties, but property damage was significant, and the cause is yet to be determined.
A similar incident occurred at Burieruri Secondary School in Ingembe North, Meru County, on Wednesday at 1:10 pm.
Students reportedly set fire to a dormitory housing 236 students, but with help from staff and the community, the blaze was contained.
No casualties were reported, and the motive is still unclear.
Additional fire incidents were reported at Isiolo Girls High School, Irbaan Primary School, and Naivasha High School, where dormitories were destroyed but no injuries were reported.
In Nyeri County, attempted arson was reported at Mukurweini Boys School, leading to student arrests for questioning.
In Makueni County, two schools St. Peters Clevers Boys Secondary and Maiani Boys Secondary were closed indefinitely following night fires.
St. Peters Clevers lost 25% of its dormitory, including mattresses and personal belongings, but no casualties were reported.
The cause remains undetermined.
Maiani Boys was affected shortly after a fire at Matiku Secondary School, leading to the closure of several schools in the region over the past two weeks.
A secondary school in Turkana County was also temporarily closed due to student unrest related to the transfer of the former principal.
Police and local officials agreed on the closure as a precautionary measure.
Authorities continue to investigate these incidents and address the rising trend of school fires.
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