Parents Told to Pick Up Students as Elburgon Secondary Closes Indefinitely After Dormitory Fire

Parents of students at Elburgon Secondary School in Molo Sub-County were directed to collect their children after the institution suspended learning indefinitely following a fire that destroyed one of the boys’ dormitories on Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze broke out on July 21 while students were in class, allowing all learners to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the dormitory.

The police confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities and that all students were safe as a result of the stampede.

School management announced the closure indefinitely for conducting investigations, evaluating damages, and planning for the next day of learning.

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Indefinite Closure of Elburgon Secondary Following a Fire, with Details on the Ongoing Investigation

Parents were asked to collect their children as security agents secured the school.

As of Tuesday evening, the Fire Department had not determined the cause of the fire, according to police.

“None injured, no fatalities, and all students accounted for,” police told reporters who were on scene.

The fire was brought under control by emergency personnel before extending to additional school buildings; however, the residence hall in which the fires occurred was heavily damaged.

Videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising above the school as the fire consumed the structure.

Students rushed toward the dormitory after noticing the fire, attempting to salvage personal belongings.

However, only a small number of mattresses and other items were recovered before the building was overwhelmed by the flames.

School management said the closure would remain in force to allow investigators to determine the cause of the fire and enable officials to evaluate the extent of the damage.

“The institution has been closed indefinitely to allow for investigations, assessment of the damage and planning for the resumption of learning,” the school management announced.

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History of School Fires in Kenya, Highlighting Specific Incidents and the Ministry of Education’s Findings on Safety Standard Compliance

Elburgon school fire follows others in Kenya.

In 2024, a blaze in a primary boarding school in Nyeri County killed 21 students.

In 2001, 67 schoolboys died in Machakos County, south-east of the capital, after some students set a dormitory alight.

In 2024, the Ministry of Education concluded that where schools were checking for compliance with safety standards, “Most had dormitories with grills on the windows, single exits and doors that opened inwards, hence compromising the safety of the occupants”.

Following the review, the ministry said it had closed “348 schools with immediate effect”

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