Kenyan School Fire Kills 17, 70 Unaccounted

A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya, has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 students and serious injuries to 13 others, with 70 children still unaccounted for. The blaze, which broke out around midnight in a dormitory housing over 150 boys, quickly spread due to the wooden construction of the building. President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning and has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized the need for DNA identification due to the severe condition of the bodies. School fires are relatively common in Kenya, often linked to arson, overcrowding, and inadequate safety standards. The community is grappling with grief and uncertainty as rescue and identification efforts continue.