Kenya has declared three days of mourning after a fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School killed at least 17 pupils. The fire broke out late Thursday night in a dormitory housing over 150 boys aged 10 to 14 in Nyeri County. As of Friday, around 70 children were still unaccounted for. Vice President Rigathi Gachagua instructed the community to help in locating them.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials looking into safety violations. Eyewitnesses reported that many students were asleep when the fire started, allowing it to spread quickly through the wooden building.
President William Ruto has promised accountability for those responsible and stressed that no child should lose their life in a school. The government also reminded schools to follow safety regulations, including multiple exits.
The Kenya Red Cross has set up a tracing desk at the school, offering support to affected families. The national mourning period begins Monday, September 11, with flags flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
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