A dormitory at Cheptenye Boys High School in Belgut, Kericho County, was reduced to ashes on Thursday afternoon after a mysterious fire broke out, destroying property of unknown value.
The fire, which started around 2 p.m., erupted while students were attending their afternoon lessons. The dormitory, which accommodates more than 100 learners, was left badly damaged. Luckily, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Students and villagers who rushed to the scene managed to contain the flames before they spread further.
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Videos and images shared on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the building as students watched helplessly while their belongings were consumed by the fire.
Local authorities in Belgut have since launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the blaze, with some residents speculating that it could have been an arson attack.
Rising Concerns Over School Fires
The incident adds to the growing list of fire outbreaks in learning institutions across the country.
Just last week, a student at Otieno Oyoo Secondary School in Kisumu County was left critically injured after a dormitory fire broke out on September 2, trapping students inside. Survivors recalled waking up to thick smoke before scrambling to safety through windows and doors.
In another case in August, a fire razed down a dormitory at Narok Full Gospel Church, destroying property worth millions.
The dormitory housed rescued girls, many of whom struggled desperately to save their belongings before locals intervened to put out the flames.
The frequent recurrence of such incidents has sparked public concern, with calls for better safety measures, functional firefighting equipment, and stronger disaster preparedness in schools and boarding institutions nationwide.