President William Ruto has declared a three-day national mourning period following a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County that claimed the lives of 18 students.
The mourning will begin on Monday, September 9, and end on Wednesday, September 11, with the national and East African Community (EAC) flags flown at half-mast across the country, including at public buildings, State House, and diplomatic missions.
In a statement from China, where he is currently on an official visit, President Ruto expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Kenya shall observe a three-day period of national mourning to honor the spirits of the eighteen departed children."
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, September 6, razed down a dormitory housing 156 boys aged 9 to 13, all students in Grades 4 to 8.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the school on Friday and revealed that 70 students remain unaccounted for, urging parents who may have taken their children home during the confusion to report their whereabouts.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki on the other hand vowed that those responsible for any lapses contributing to the tragedy would face full accountability.
The government has pledged all necessary resources to support affected families, with ongoing efforts to locate the missing students and provide medical assistance to survivors.
Of the 311 students housed at the school, 86 have been confirmed safe, with 27 hospitalized due to injuries.
The search continues for the remaining 70 students.
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