Makueni: Police in Makueni Sub-county have launched investigations into a fire incident at Emmanuel Springs High School that occurred on Thursday night. The fire, which started at 9:30 PM in a boys' dormitory, destroyed all personal belongings of 81 students while they were attending classes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Makueni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Paul Langat stated during a media briefing in Wote town that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but fortunately, no lives were lost. Langat mentioned that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation Officers has been deployed to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze, as nothing could be salvaged from the dormitory.
The DCC has advised the school management to provide essential personal items such as mattresses, blankets, and uniforms to the affected students. Additionally, Langat revealed that Kenya Power will investigate whether an electrical fault might have initiated the fire, and Officers from Public Works will assess the condition of the affected building.
Langat also emphasized the need for psychosocial support for the traumatized students and suggested that the school invite the police Chaplain by Sunday to offer necessary support. He stressed the importance of adhering to government safety regulations in schools, urging principals to ensure dormitory doors open outward and avoid installing grills on windows to enhance student safety.