NAIROBI, Kenya- In the aftermath of a devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy that claimed 21 lives, a Nyeri High Court judge has ordered a detailed safety review of the school’s facilities before any further reopening.
Justice Kizito Magare issued a fresh directive, calling for a comprehensive safety report from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba by next Thursday.
The school has been granted a temporary reprieve, but with strict conditions.
In a lawsuit filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission, David Karani, and the Elimu Bora Working Group, the court allowed the academy to admit 114 students, but only those preparing for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
However, this conditional reopening is subject to confirmation from the Nyeri County Director of Education, Ms. Jane Njogu, that the dormitories meet safety standards.
“The 1st and 3rd Respondents [David Kinyua Wambugu and the Board of Management] may admit only 114 students for exams after the county Director of Education, Ms. Jane Njogu, personally inspects and approves the dormitories’ safety,” stated Justice Magare.
Previously, the court had issued an order halting the reopening of the school’s boarding facilities due to serious concerns about student safety following the fire.
The petitioners in the case, which include several concerned organizations, questioned the rapid push to reopen the institution without proper safeguards.
Hillside Endarasha Academy was forced to close its doors on September 5 after a tragic fire engulfed the boys’ dormitory, claiming the lives of 21 students.
The incident has left the community shaken, and the court emphasized that the primary concern is the safety of the children.
“The health and safety of the minors are at risk,” remarked Justice Magare in a prior hearing, adding that reopening without a full safety assessment would not be in the best interest of the students.
The court certified the case as urgent, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In addition to ensuring the dormitory’s structural integrity, the court mandated the respondents to present detailed health and safety reports.
The Education Cabinet Secretary and various school management bodies are expected to submit these assessments by Wednesday, with a focus on dormitory safety and structural soundness.
The court has also called for a fresh inspection of the electrical work at the academy after an eyebrow-raising incident.
Despite an electrical installation starting on October 15, a Completion Certificate was mysteriously issued just hours later—a situation that didn’t sit well with the judge.
Justice Magare expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the certification process, noting that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) report lacked credibility.
He directed that county-level engineers conduct a thorough testing of the electrical systems to ensure student safety.
The case continues on October 24, when the Nyeri High Court will review the progress of these inspections and reports.
