Parents of students at Alliance High School were directed to collect their children after a fire broke out at the institution early on Thursday morning, raising fresh concerns about safety in schools across the country.
The incident occurred at around 4am and reportedly affected the school’s mattress store. However, swift action by the administration and emergency responders ensured the blaze was contained before it could spread to classrooms, dormitories or other key facilities.
In a communication to parents, school principal David Chomba confirmed that all students were safe and accounted for following the incident.
“We are grateful to report that the situation was promptly contained and managed by the school administration and relevant teams. Most importantly, all students are safe and accounted for,” he said.
Despite the limited damage, the school’s Board of Management and administration resolved to send learners home as a precautionary measure.
Parents were invited to attend a brief meeting at the school before leaving with their sons for the weekend.
According to the administration, the move was intended to safeguard student welfare and reassure parents as authorities begin investigations into the cause of the fire.
The closure comes at a time when learning institutions across Kenya are facing heightened scrutiny following a series of fire incidents and unrest in schools.
On the same day, reports indicated that Nakuru Girls High School had also sent students home, while a dormitory fire at Langata High School was contained before causing major damage.
Other schools that have recently experienced disruptions include Loreto Girls High School Limuru, Lenana School, Mang’u High School and Upper Hill School.
The incidents have heightened anxiety among parents and education stakeholders, particularly following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.
Authorities are expected to conduct investigations at Alliance High School to establish the cause of the fire and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.