Nyeri: The High Court in Nyeri has adopted consent between two human rights lobby groups and the Endarasha Hillside Academy’s Board of Management, successfully ending a case challenging the school’s reopening following a fire tragedy in September 2024.
According to Kenya News Agency, the lawyers representing various stakeholders appeared virtually before Justice Magare Kizito to announce their readiness to terminate the case after reaching an agreement on the contentious issues. The legal representatives included Mumbi Kiarie for the County Director of Education and related parties, David Kimunya for the school proprietors and Board of Management, and Haggai Chimei for the Kenya Human Rights Commission and associated groups.
The consent, filed on February 3, 2025, was submitted to the court to be adopted as the order of the court. The petitioners had initially sought to close the school’s boarding section, questioning the decision to reopen shortly after the tragic fire incident that claimed 21 lives. They
emphasized the importance of ensuring safety standards and providing a conducive learning environment.
The petitioners also requested the provision of psychosocial support for the affected pupils and parents. Justice Magare had previously issued conservatory orders preventing the reopening of the boarding facility, although the school was allowed to admit students set to take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment.
Later developments saw the school transitioning to a mixed-day school, with the provision of psychosocial support remaining as the primary unresolved issue. During the court proceedings, commitments were made to provide counselling, with the Kenya Red Cross partnering to offer services at Mt. Kenya hospital, although Justice Magare insisted these sessions be conducted on school premises.
The court consent outlined that the school will operate as a mixed-day school, and regular counselling services will be provided onsite. Each party agreed to bear their individual court costs, effectively
marking the case as settled with these terms.