[PHOTOS] Tears as parents come to terms with Hillside fire tragedy

Parents and guardians at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri were overcome with emotions as they viewed what was left of the dormitory that housed their children. 

A mysterious fire blazed through the 156-bed capacity hostel at around 11pm Thursday as boys at the mixed boarding private primary school slept.

A total of 17 boys were confirmed dead by Friday morning. 

Parents wept uncontrollably as they arrived at the school to check on their children.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachua visited the school and in update said 86 boys had been accounted for by Friday evening, including 27 who are admitted in hospital. 

He said 70 pupils are "not yet accounted for" as he called on parents who had picked up their children, as well as neighbours who helped those who fled, to report to authorities.

President William Ruto instructed authorities to investigate the “horrific incident” and hold those responsible to account.

During his visit at the school, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki reaffirmed that government agencies are being deployed to support the affected families.

"The government assures full accountability for all whose action or inaction contributed to this tremendous loss,” he said.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions urged the police to expedite investigations saying it is important to establish the circumstances that led to the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.