Police in Machakos have begun investigations into a fire that swept through part of a dormitory at Mumbuni Girls Secondary School on Thursday evening, leaving students distressed though no serious injuries were reported.
The blaze, which started around 6:30 pm, gutted the upper floor of a two-story dormitory, destroying several beds, mattresses, blankets, and personal belongings of students. The incident left learners in shock as thick smoke engulfed the building.
Machakos Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich confirmed that no students sustained physical injuries. However, a few were treated for trauma at Machakos Level 5 Hospital before being released and taken back to the school.
The Machakos County Fire Department responded swiftly, containing the fire before it could spread to other buildings within the school compound. Police officers were also deployed to help control the situation and manage anxious parents and neighbours who had rushed to the scene to support the learners.
Education officials, including County TSC Director Jimal Ahmed and County Director of Education Margaret Mwirigi, toured the school but refrained from giving details, noting that the matter is under investigation.
Authorities are working to establish what triggered the fire.
The incident has revived painful memories of previous school fires in Machakos and other parts of the country. For now, the focus remains on the welfare of students, while local leaders and education officers strive to restore calm and reassure the school community.
