Kenyan authorities have started DNA testing to identify the children who tragically lost their lives in a school dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, Nyeri County.
The fire, which broke out late Thursday night, killed 21 children aged between nine and 13, with 19 bodies recovered from the ruins and two children dying in the hospital. However, 17 remain unaccounted for.
President William Ruto declared three days of mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast. He also ordered a full investigation into the incident to ensure accountability in schools across the country. The disaster has sparked renewed concerns over safety standards in Kenyan schools.
The Kenya Red Cross is offering psychological counseling to affected children and their families. Meanwhile, police are investigating whether negligence or recklessness contributed to the incident.
The tragedy is part of a series of recent fires in Kenyan schools, with further incidents reported at Isiolo Girls High School and Njia Boys High School, although no casualties were recorded.
Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has called for a thorough investigation, citing that the Endarasha dormitory was overcrowded, violating safety standards.
