NAIROBI, Kenya- A memorial service for the 21 victims of the tragic Hillside Endarasha Academy fire is set for next week, offering a moment of reflection and solace for the grieving families.
The service will take place at Mweiga Stadium in Nyeri and has been organized by both the national and county governments in collaboration with the victims’ families and church leaders.
Nyeri’s acting regional commissioner, Pius Murugu, confirmed that the service could take place next week, once the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concludes its probe.
“By next week, we shall be able to finalize the burial arrangements so that afterward, we can discuss how the school will be reopened. Of course, this will be in consultation with the administration, parents, and other stakeholders,” Murugu noted.
The investigation into the fire, which broke out on the night of September 5, has involved questioning several individuals. The DCI has been leading this investigation, and a preliminary report is expected later this week.
The school, previously declared a crime scene, awaits clearance as the probe concludes. Meanwhile, two male students who survived the incident are still recuperating in the hospital.
In light of the tragedy, school owner and director David Kinyua announced plans to reduce the number of boarding students from 330 to 195.
This decision aims to ease accommodation constraints and ensure student safety. “We do not have enough room for all boarders; those pupils who live near the school will become day scholars, allowing us to accommodate a few boys,” Kinyua explained.
Currently, the school has 87 boys and 98 girls set to remain as boarders. Kinyua expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, revealing that efforts are underway to rebuild and reconfigure the affected areas of the school.
The dormitory that was destroyed has been removed, and pathways leading to it have been altered to help prevent trauma triggers for students and staff.
In the wake of the tragedy, the government has reaffirmed its support for the affected families and students who lost their personal belongings.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is scheduled to address the National Assembly on this issue. During the plenary, he will outline the Ministry’s response to this and similar incidents affecting schools nationwide.
“This incident represents a tragic loss to the nation, and the House must be fully informed of its cause and the proposed remedial measures by the Ministry,” said National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.
In addition, Ogamba will provide updates on the New Higher Education Funding Model discussed in the August 20 Members’ Kamukunji.
The Hillside Endarasha Academy tragedy has not only shaken the local community but also sparked national concern regarding student safety and school infrastructure.
As the nation mourns, the upcoming memorial service offers a chance for healing and a renewed commitment to student welfare.
