Kenyans Puzzled As More Than 40 Kids Remain Missing Days After Hillside Endarasha Fire

• Kenyans have demanded answers about the whereabouts of the missing 40 students from Hillside Endarasha Academy
• The youngsters disappeared without a trace following a dormitory fire that killed over 20 pupils
• Four days since the inferno, there have been no answers regarding the missing youngsters

Nyeri, Kenya – The nation remains in shock and confusion as over 40 children are still unaccounted for days after a devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy.

The fire, which broke out on Thursday, September 5, claimed the lives of 21 pupils out of the 156 who were in the dormitory that night.

When did the Hillside Endarasha fire start?

Details indicate that the fire started around 11 pm and quickly engulfed the dormitory, which housed more than 150 students.

Despite the efforts of residents and firefighters, many children remain missing, leaving the community in a state of anguish.

Since the tragic incident, parents have been gathering outside the school, anxiously awaiting their children's news.

"In a village, where did those children disappear to?" a concerned Kenyan asked in a video shared by Nairobi Juice.

What is the government doing about Hillside Endarasha victims?

The sight of charred remains has deepened the horror, with many bodies burnt beyond recognition.

In the wake of the fire, the government has mobilized resources to support the families, and several ministries are coordinating their response.

However, the BBC reports that the lack of information and the slow pace of the investigation have left many parents feeling helpless and frustrated.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the scene and urged parents who had picked up their children or neighbours who assisted in the rescue to help account for the missing students.

Father stranded as Grade 7 son remains missing

One such parent is Simon Njogu, who has not received information about his son Kelvin, a Grade 7 pupil at the academy.

The 37-year-old father painfully highlighted his sacrifices to see his firstborn son get an education.

He asked the government to help him and other affected families seek justice for their beloved kin.

What you need to know about Hillside Endarasha fire

• The burnt dormitory housed 156 boys, all of whom were boarders; the school has a total enrolment of 824 students, with 316 boarders
• A prayer service was held on September 8 to honour the pupils who died in the tragic incident.
• President William Ruto declared a three-day mourning period from September 9 to September 11 to honour the pupils who died in the fire.