KERICHO, Kenya – Tengecha Boys High School has been closed indefinitely after a fire razed several dormitories at the institution, forcing the school to send all students home.
Kericho County Education Director Julius Ngoneshi said on Monday, October 5, that the school board had met and unanimously agreed to suspend learning as management assesses the extent of the damage.
Ngoneshi said the fire mainly affected infrastructure used by Grade 10 students, who number 571.
“The board has sat down and decided that it is best for the students to go home. Most of the infrastructure affected belonged to Grade 10 students, who are 571 in number,” Ngoneshi said.
He said the closure would give the school management time to assess the damage and determine the measures required before students can return.
Second Floor Severely Damaged
The fire proved difficult to contain after flames spread across the affected section of the dormitory, raising fears that it could spread to other parts of the school.
Students, staff and members of the local community joined efforts to put out the blaze and eventually managed to contain it.
However, the second floor of the affected dormitory was severely damaged, with windows and other infrastructure destroyed.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
The education director did not give a date for when students would be expected to return to school.
DCI Probes Cause Of Fire
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
Ngoneshi said no arrests had been made so far as detectives work to determine what caused the blaze.
The investigation will also establish the extent of the damage and whether any criminal activity was involved.
Fire Comes Amid Stricter School Safety Measures
The incident comes months after the Government announced tougher measures aimed at addressing school fires and student unrest.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had warned of greater accountability for destruction of school property during the Third Term, which runs until October 23.
Under the measures, parents may be required to meet the cost of repairing or reconstructing school infrastructure destroyed during student unrest.
Schools temporarily closed because of disturbances are also required to recover lost learning time.
Students and other individuals found responsible for arson face criminal charges, while school boards that fail to enforce safety requirements or comply with regulations risk dissolution.
The Tengecha Boys closure will remain in place as the school management assesses the damage and determines the steps required before normal learning can resume.
