A fire broke out at Embakasi Girls Secondary School in Mukuru, engulfing one of the dormitories and prompting a swift emergency response.
Firefighters from the Nairobi Fire Brigade, along with Kenya Red Cross Action Team members and a local Community-Based Response Team, were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Efforts to contain the blaze are ongoing.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident in a statement posted on July 6.
“A fire has broken out at Embakasi Girls in Mukuru, affecting one of the dormitories. Firefighting efforts are currently underway.”
As of the time of publishing, there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. The extent of the damage remains unclear.
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The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Authorities have not yet released official details regarding the number of students affected or whether any emergency accommodations have been arranged.
About Embakasi Girls School
Embakasi Girls High School is a county-level secondary institution offering both day and boarding options, continues to serve the educational needs of students in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi County.
Situated in Makadara, the school is strategically located to accommodate learners from Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
It provides access to quality education for young women, contributing to the government’s goals of expanding education opportunities across the country.
The institution operates under the Ministry of Education and upholds the national curriculum, with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Fire Outbreaks in Kenyan Schools
In Kenya, officials identified arson as the main cause of school fires, with students frequently held responsible.
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In 2016, Kenyan authorities recorded around 130 school fire cases linked to student unrest.
By 2018, at least 63 similar incidents had been documented, according to data from parliament.
These fires have affected schools across the board boys’, girls’, and mixed institutions alike.
Many Kenyan parents opt for primary boarding schools, believing they offer a more focused learning environment, better discipline, and a solution to the challenges of daily commuting, as highlighted in the Kenya Studies Review.
Research by Isaac Muasya of the University of Nairobi indicates that arson is the primary trigger of these school fires.
However, other hazards such as defective electrical devices and easily ignitable items like cigarettes also contribute significantly to the risk.
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