A devastating fire swept through Magena Boys High School in Bomachoge Borabu, Kisii County, on Sunday night, destroying at least seven dormitories and leaving more than 250 students without personal belongings.
The inferno broke out shortly before midnight, rapidly spreading from one dormitory to another and lighting up the night sky as students fled in panic.
By dawn, the once-busy school compound had been reduced to smoldering ruins, with charred mattresses, books and twisted metal bed frames scattered across the grounds.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Students recounted terrifying moments as they were jolted from sleep by screams of “fire, fire,” forcing many to escape with only the clothes they were wearing.
“I didn’t even think. We just ran,” said one student. “Everything I owned was left behind.”
At least 250 Grade 10 learners lost uniforms, books, bedding and other essentials in the blaze.
According to sources at the school, Form Three and Form Four students were the first to notice the fire and rushed to alert others, helping avert possible fatalities moments before the flames engulfed the dormitories.
Several students were treated for shock, but no deaths or serious injuries were reported.
Fire engines arrived after the dormitories had already been completely destroyed.
“By the time firefighters arrived, there was nothing left to save,” a teacher said. “The fire had already caused massive damage.”
School principal David Mbaka, visibly shaken, declined to comment in detail, saying investigations were underway.
“I cannot speak at the moment. The Deputy County Commissioner and education officials are here and will address the issue,” he told journalists.
One student, who requested anonymity, claimed there had been growing tension within the school following a decline in exam performance, suggesting unrest may have contributed to the incident.
“There have been murmurs about results, and the atmosphere has been tense,” the student said.
A board official confirmed that police and education officers had visited the school and launched investigations.
“We are working closely with security agencies to establish the cause of the fire and take appropriate action,” the official said.
Learning at the school has since been disrupted, with students sent home as authorities assess the damage and determine the next steps.
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