President William Ruto has directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to conduct swift investigations into the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy amid rising concerns over school fires.
In a statement on Monday , the President also instructed the ministries of education and interior to enforce compliance with school boarding regulations.
“Compliance with government regulations on curbing fire accidents in learning institutions is not negotiable. This is the only insurance we have to effectively prevent the loss of life and limb in school,” President Ruto noted in a statement after a meeting with Ministry of Education officials.
“Security agencies must speed up investigations on the Hillside Academy fire tragedy and all other affected institutions.”
The President issued the directives after meeting with Ministry of Education officials, who briefed him on the tragedy and measures being taken to ensure student safety.
His call for action came shortly after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that all learners had been accounted for, with the 166 girls safely sent home.
The fire, which broke out around midnight on Thursday, 5th September, claimed 21 lives, with 19 bodies recovered from the ruins and two pupils succumbing to their injuries in hospital.
DNA testing to identify the victims, all aged between 9 and 13, began on Monday, 9th September, as families anxiously wait for closure.