A dormitory at Mirithu Girls High School in Limuru, Kiambu County, was destroyed by a fire that broke out on Wednesday night, leaving students counting significant losses after their personal belongings were reduced to ashes.
The incident occurred while learners were attending their evening prep classes, a factor that played a crucial role in preventing injuries or fatalities. School administrators confirmed that all students, teachers, and support staff were safely accounted for shortly after the blaze was contained.
According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, although authorities have launched investigations to determine the exact source. The flames spread rapidly through the dormitory, which was largely constructed from timber, making it highly vulnerable to fire outbreaks.
By the time emergency response efforts brought the situation under control, the structure had been extensively damaged. Bedding, clothing, books, and other essential personal items belonging to students were completely destroyed, leaving many learners without basic necessities.
In the moments following the outbreak, students, teachers, and nearby residents worked together to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to adjacent buildings. Their swift response is credited with preventing a larger disaster that could have affected more school facilities.
The incident has dealt a significant blow to the school community, coming just days after students had resumed learning for the second term. Many of the affected learners had only recently settled back into school life, making the losses even more difficult to bear.
Education stakeholders and local leaders are now expected to step in to support the affected students, with calls already emerging for urgent assistance to help replace the destroyed items and restore normalcy.
School management has assured parents and guardians that measures are being put in place to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations continue, attention is also turning to the need for improved infrastructure and fire safety standards in learning institutions across the county.
