Bukhalalire High School in Busia County has been shut down indefinitely following a dormitory fire that left at least six students with serious injuries.
Speaking to the media on Monday, May 12, Butula Sub-County Director of Education John Kemei announced the school’s closure to allow for thorough investigations into the incident.
He stated that the decision was made after consultations with the school’s Board of Management (BoM).
“We have assessed the situation and found that it is no longer safe for learning to continue.
We’ve decided to send the students home to give them time to rest as we investigate the cause of the fire,” said Kemei.
He also praised local residents for their quick response in helping to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the school.
“We are grateful to the community members, including a former MCA, who came to assist around 1 a.m. and helped save lives,” he added.
The fire broke out late Sunday night, around 11 p.m., while students were asleep in the affected dormitory, which housed approximately 200 learners.
The blaze completely destroyed the structure, and at least six students sustained severe burns.
Four of the injured students were initially taken to Khunyangu District Hospital but were later transferred to Busia County Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
The incident at Bukhalalire High School comes just days after a similar fire occurred at Igikiro Boys High School in Makuyu, Murang’a County, on Saturday, May 10. In that case, a dormitory was destroyed and several students were displaced.
Authorities later arrested a suspect believed to be linked to the alleged arson, and early investigations indicated that at least three students were involved.
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