A fire broke out at Embakasi Girls’ School in Mukuru, Nairobi County, on Sunday morning, sparking concern among parents and residents. Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze originated in one of the school’s dormitories.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident early Sunday, stating that emergency response efforts were immediately launched. “Fire at Embakasi Girls’ School, Nairobi County. Efforts to contain it are underway,” the humanitarian agency announced in a public statement.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, and all students are believed to be safe. Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, but investigations are expected to begin as soon as the flames are fully extinguished and the area is secured.
Response teams from the Nairobi Fire Brigade, the Red Cross Action Team, and the Community-Based Response Team responded promptly to the emergency. Fire engines could be seen maneuvering through the narrow roads of the Mukuru area to reach the scene, which attracted scores of worried parents and members of the public.
“We commend the swift action of the emergency services. Their prompt arrival and coordinated efforts prevented the fire from spreading further,” said one school official who requested anonymity.
Parents who had begun arriving at the school were visibly distressed but relieved to learn that their children were safe. School authorities are working with government agencies and emergency responders to assess the damage and arrange temporary accommodation for affected students.
This incident adds to the growing concern about fire safety in schools, especially those located in densely populated areas with limited infrastructure for emergency response. Education stakeholders are calling for increased investment in fire preparedness, including regular drills, installation of fire alarms, and safer building materials.
The Ministry of Education is expected to issue an official statement later in the day. Meanwhile, students and staff remain under the care of emergency teams as the situation continues to be monitored.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause panic.
