A dormitory at Otieno Oyoo High School in Kisumu was reduced to ashes in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a fierce fire broke out, leaving one student injured and scores displaced.
According to reports, the inferno began around 2:00 am while most students were asleep. They were only jolted awake by thick smoke that had already engulfed the building. In the ensuing panic, students scrambled to safety through windows and doors, screaming for help.
Rescue efforts were quickly mounted by fellow students and nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene to assist in evacuating those trapped inside. Despite their efforts, attempts to contain the blaze failed, and the fire spread rapidly, consuming the entire dormitory and destroying all personal belongings.
Authorities confirmed that one student sustained injuries during the incident and was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment. Police have since launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
The incident has reignited concerns about the rising number of mysterious fires in boarding schools and other institutions across the country. Just last month, on August 6, a fire razed property worth millions at Narok Full Gospel Church, destroying a dormitory that housed rescued girls. Residents were forced to intervene after efforts to contact the County Disaster Management Department were unsuccessful.
Earlier, on July 7, panic gripped Onjiko High School in Kisumu County when a fire broke out in one of its dormitories during evening lessons. Firefighters from the Kisumu Disaster Management team managed to put out the blaze, but not before the entire second floor and rooftop were destroyed, leaving students stranded.
The recurring nature of such incidents has sparked fresh debate on safety preparedness in schools and boarding facilities. Parents, education stakeholders, and local leaders are calling for urgent investigations and preventive measures to avert further tragedies.
As the investigations continue, authorities have urged school administrations to review safety protocols, improve fire preparedness, and ensure that adequate emergency measures are in place to protect students.
