- Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura noted that the school had 330 boarders, 166 girls and 164 boys.
- Mwaura termed the tragic loss of 21 of children following the fire incident as a catastrophe beyond imagination.
Image: ISAAC MWAURA/X
All boys at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri whose fate was unclear following Thursday’s fire tragedy that claimed 21 lives have been accounted for.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura noted that the school had 330 boarders, 166 girls and 164 boys.
“All girls are at home with their parents while all the 164 boys have been accounted for,” he stated.
Mwaura termed the tragic loss of 21 of children following the fire incident as a catastrophe beyond imagination.
“Two of the boys died in the hospital while undergoing treatment and 19 other bodies were recovered from the burnt dormitory,” he stated.
In a statement released to newsrooms on Monday, Mwaura said parents of the 19 learners who succumbed are yet to identify their children.
“They will be proceeding to Naromoru for autopsy and processing. They will also receive mental health and psychosocial support,” he noted.
He expressed the government’s gratitude to everyone who stepped forward to support the affected children during the difficult situation, including the school community and surrounding neighbours.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) together with the government pathologist are today conducting investigations and scientific analysis. More updates will follow as soon as the information is available,” he assured.
Mwaura added that health professionals have been on-site providing specialised care and assistance.
“Their efforts are centred on ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical care. Ongoing initiatives include the provision of essential medical supplies and the coordination of blood donations,” he stated.
“The World Health Organisation has supported the county with additional trauma kits to accelerate response and alleviate suffering of the victims of this calamity.”
Mwaura said the Kenya Red Cross is coordinating support for affected parents and the school community, providing aid and counselling services.
Mwaura said 63 counsellors have been working round the clock providing counselling services and psychosocial support.
Other agencies that have stepped in to offer psycho-social support include Amani Counselling Centre, Child Welfare Society and AMREF, he noted.
Image: ISAAC MWAURA/X