Nine Kenyan Students Detained for Arson Attack on School Property Worth Millions

Nine students from Miathene Boys High School in Meru County were on Tuesday detained after a fire destroyed a dormitory at the school on the evening of July 16, 2024.

A series of fires in educational institutions has resulted in significant property damage, financial losses, and tragically, loss of life. The incidents have prompted widespread calls for improved safety measures and thorough investigations. On July 16, 2024, a fire engulfed a dormitory at Miathene Boys High School in Meru County. In connection with this incident, nine students were detained on Tuesday and are currently being held at Tigania police station. A Meru court has ordered their detention for 10 days to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the suspected arson. Eastern Region Commissioner Paul Rotich emphasizes the severity of the situation and regrets the substantial financial losses incurred.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of school fires that has alarmed the nation over the past week. Just three days prior, Njia Boys' High School in the same county experienced a similar event. Six students are under investigation for that fire, having been captured on CCTV footage. Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma confirms that preliminary investigations indicated arson involving rebellious students. The most devastating of these incidents occurred at Hillside Endarasha School in Nyeri County, where a fire resulted in the tragic deaths of 21 pupils. This event has been one of the deadliest school fires in recent memory and has intensified the call for enhanced safety measures in educational institutions nationwide.

The wave of fires has continued, with Ng'ombeni Girls' High School reporting a fire on September 11, marking it as the latest in a string of such incidents within a week. In response to these events, President William Ruto has ordered investigations into the rampant school fires. Many speculate that these incidents may be related to upcoming school examinations. The President has called for security agencies to expedite their investigations into the Hillside Academy fire tragedy and all other affected institutions. The surge in school fires has not only caused significant material damage but also instilled fear among students, parents, and educators. The government has urged school administrators to implement stricter safety measures and ensure that dormitories are equipped with adequate fire safety equipment.

Experts have pointed out that many institutions lack basic fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Concerns have also been raised about the structural integrity of some school buildings and their ability to withstand fires. In response to this crisis, the Ministry of Education has announced plans to conduct a nationwide audit of school safety measures. This audit will assess the current state of fire safety in schools and identify areas needing improvement. The ministry has also pledged additional funding for the installation of fire safety equipment and the training of staff and students on fire safety procedures.