Education CS Julius Ogamba has cut short his China trip after the Hillside Endashara Academy fire tragedy.
PS Belio Kipsang in a statement on Friday said Ogamba was on his way back to the country to attend to the matter.
"The Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, who has been on an official trip in China is on his way back to join our local teams to ensure the situation is addressed with utmost urgency," Belio said.
"In the meantime, I am currently on the ground leading the local multi-agency team to manage the situation," he said.
Ogamba is part of the team accompanying President William Ruto for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.
The summit which started on Wednesday is expected to come to an end today.
Other CSs in China include Treasury’s John Mbadi, Davis Chirchir (Roads) and Eric Muriithi (Water).
At least 17 pupils have been confirmed dead at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri, following a fire tragedy last night.
National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the incident with the Star.
She said 14 other students sustained injuries.
Belio in a statement on Friday said the learners include 402 boys and 422 girls.
"Of the total enrollment of 824 learners, 156 boys and 160 girls are boarders while the rest are day scholars. All the 156 boys were accommodated in the ill-fated dormitory,” PS Belio said.
Relevant authorities have launched investigations into the fire incident following directives from President William Ruto.
The Kenya Red Cross has established a tracing desk at the school to help in tracing the learners.
