President William Ruto has donated Ksh.2 million to Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri to assist in replacing items lost in a fire that tragically claimed the lives of 21 students.
Speaking during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, Ruto pledged to support the families of the victims with burial arrangements. He assigned Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina to ensure all affected families receive assistance as investigations into the incident continue.
“I will send you there again with Ksh.2 million so that you can buy items for those whose belongings were destroyed, and our children can return to school,” Ruto said.
He further stated that once the investigation into the fire is complete, he plans to meet with the school’s director, David Kinyua, to explore ways to help the school recover.
“I will talk to Kinyua after investigations are concluded to see how we can support the school and ensure our children have a place to learn,” he added.
Despite the government’s assurance that all missing students have been accounted for, parents of those still unconfirmed remain in distress. Twenty-one boys have been confirmed dead—two passing away while receiving treatment, and the bodies of 19 others recovered from the charred dormitory.
“Of the 330 pupils in the school’s boarding facility—166 girls and 164 boys—all the girls have returned home safely to their parents, and all the boys have been accounted for. However, the parents of the 19 deceased boys have not yet identified their children,” said State House Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a statement.
Autopsies are currently being conducted at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital to aid in the identification of the victims.
