A series of fires have rocked girls’ schools in Isiolo County, leaving a trail of tragedy, destruction, and acts of heroism. A recent dormitory fire at Hillside Girls’ School claimed the lives of 21 young students, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Just days after that catastrophic event, another fire erupted at a neighboring school, prompting concerns about safety and the well-being of students in the region.
“I Felt a Lot of Heat”: Heroic Survivor’s Story
Amid the chaos and terror, stories of bravery are emerging. In an interview with The Nation, one of the survivors, a young student named Amina, recounted her harrowing experience. “I felt a lot of heat,” she said, recalling the moment she realized the dormitory was on fire. Despite the confusion and panic around her, Amina managed to guide two of her schoolmates to safety, becoming a symbol of hope in the midst of this tragedy. Her actions have been hailed as heroic, highlighting the bravery shown by many students that night.
A Recurring Nightmare
The fires have raised serious questions about the state of school infrastructure in Isiolo and the broader region. The fire at Hillside Girls’ School, which killed 21 students, is still under investigation. Authorities suspect electrical faults could be the cause, but there are growing calls for a thorough review of fire safety protocols in schools across the country.
Just days later, another fire broke out at a nearby girls’ school, though this time, no fatalities were reported. The swift response by school staff and students, many of whom had been traumatized by the Hillside fire, likely prevented another tragedy.
Kenya’s Ministry of Education has vowed to take action, with plans to inspect all school dormitories and ensure safety regulations are strictly followed. Meanwhile, families of the victims are left waiting for answers and DNA results to identify the deceased.
Grieving Families Demand Answers
The Hillside fire has left families devastated, with many still awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identities of their loved ones. The inferno had left many victims unrecognizable, forcing authorities to rely on forensic testing. This has further deepened the agony for parents, who have been gathering at the school to receive updates. One mother, speaking to The Star, tearfully explained, “I need to know if my daughter is one of them. I need to bury her.”
The local government has offered assistance to the affected families, providing counseling and financial aid, but nothing can ease the pain of parents who have lost their children in such tragic circumstances.
Call for Urgent Reforms
The fires in Isiolo have sparked a nationwide debate about the safety of school infrastructures in Kenya. Human rights groups and education advocates are calling for immediate reforms to ensure such disasters do not recur. Schools across the country are being urged to implement fire drills, install proper fire-fighting equipment, and conduct regular safety checks.
Despite the heartbreaking losses, the courage shown by survivors like Amina provides a glimmer of hope. But for the families grieving their children, the road to healing will be long and painful. As investigations continue, the people of Isiolo and Kenya as a whole are demanding accountability and urgent action to protect the future of the nation’s students.