Students stranded in the cold after dorm burns

The dormitory at Njoro Girls’ High School yesterday. [Kennedy Gachuhi, Standard]

A 137-bed capacity dormitory at Njoro Girls’ High School has been razed down by a fierce inferno that broke out yesterday afternoon.

According to Njoro Sub-county Police boss Mohammed Huke, the fire started when students were in class and that no one was injured. “We received information from the school administration that a dormitory was in fire. The cause of the inferno is being investigated,” said Huke, who added that nothing was salvaged from the facility.

The OCPD said the school will have to look for alternative space to accommodate students as the incident happened late and the students could not be sent home.

He urged parents to remain calm, confirming that none of the learners was injured. By 6pm, dozens of parents could be seen camping outside the school gate eager to know what next.

According to John Njoroge, a neighbour, the fire broke out at around 3pm. “I was at home when I saw smoke billowing. We moved in to help but the roof caved in, making it difficult for us to salvage the students’ belonging. By the time fire fighters arrived, the fire had spread through the entire dormitory,” said Njoroge. The incident comes a week after Nioro Boys’ High School was closed following an attempted arson. Nakuru County Director of Education William Sugut said investigations will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire.