West Pokot: Another Fire Breaks Out At Ortum Boys, Dormitory Razed Down

• Ortum Boys High School students were in panic after a fire engulfed their dormitory in the morning hours of Monday, September 9
• Some students managed to save their bedding, including mattresses and blankets, from the inferno while others fled for safety
• Preliminary reports suggested that the fire resulted from an electrical fault, adding that no casualties were recorded

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

West Pokot - The recent spate of school fires has disrupted learning across the country, with Ortum Boys Secondary dormitory becoming the fourth such incident in less than a week.

A video circulating on social media shows students fleeing the dense smoke and flames as the fire spread to other dormitories.

Some students were seen trying to salvage their mattresses and other belongings amid the chaos.

What caused Ortum Boys fire?

There has been no official statement from the school or police regarding the cause of the fire or any potential casualties.

However, preliminary reports suggest an electrical fault might be responsible, though the investigation is still ongoing

The blaze, which started around 9 am, is under investigation by local authorities.

Endarasha fire kills 21 students

This incident follows a tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri on Thursday, September 5, where 21 students lost their lives in a dormitory fire affecting 156 boys.

President William Ruto ordered a thorough investigation into the matter stressing that those found responsible should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the recent fires have sparked calls from various leaders for improved school infrastructure, construction standards, and safety equipment to ensure the safety of boarding schools.

Where are Hillside Endarasha Academy's missing boys?

Parents of the 48 missing children are increasingly anxious as they await news about their sons.

One parent, who had gone to great lengths to ensure his child's safety at school, expressed deep concern, saying he is desperate for any information about his child's fate.

He revealed that they were directed to Naromoru Level 4 Hospital for DNA testing for identification, but remained disheartened. The parents are now appealing to the government for assistance in their search.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke