Hillside Endarasha Academy had an enrolment of 824 learners - PS Belio

The dormitory that killed 17 pupils at the school had 156 boys.

In Summary
  • The Principal Secretary of Basic Education Belio Kipsang in a statement on Friday said the learners include 402 boys and 422 girls.
  • Belio who visited the school following the tragedy said Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba who was on a trip to China is on his way back.
DCI officers at Hillside Endarasha Academy on September 6, 2024
DCI officers at Hillside Endarasha Academy on September 6, 2024
Image: Wangare Mwangi/ KNA

Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni West, Nyeri County had an enrolment of 824 learners, the Ministry of Education has said.

The ill-fated dormitory that killed 17 pupils at the school had 156 boys.

The Principal Secretary of Basic Education Belio Kipsang 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.

Belio who visited the school following the tragedy said Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba who was on a trip to China is on his way back to join the local teams in addressing the situation.

The tragic fire incident left 14 other pupils injured.

“The Ministry of Education is currently working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Health to manage the situation and ensure the injured learners are given the best medical attention,” he added.

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.

KRCS head in Mt Kenya Esther Chege, Redcross said the desk will help parents in identifying their children.

“In the tracing desk, we will be able to get all their details including those in hospital so that we can advise on how to access them,” she said.

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