By Brian Said Iha
Gacharage, Murang’a County, Kenya | May 29, 2026
A dormitory at Gacharage Girls High School in Kandara, Murang’a County, caught fire on Thursday night in an incident that caused panic among students and staff before the blaze was successfully contained.
Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported, with all students safely evacuated and accounted for following the incident.
According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out in one of the school dormitories late Thursday evening, prompting an emergency response from school administrators, local residents, and emergency personnel who moved swiftly to contain the flames before they could spread to nearby buildings.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as students rushed out of the dormitory after alarms and distress calls alerted the school community to the unfolding fire.
School officials said emergency evacuation procedures were immediately activated, helping ensure the safety of learners as firefighters and responders worked to put out the blaze.
The cause of the fire had not been established by Friday morning, with investigators launching inquiries to determine what triggered the incident and assess the extent of the damage caused to the affected dormitory.
Police officers and fire response teams visited the school shortly after the incident, with authorities expected to conduct detailed inspections as part of the ongoing investigations.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety standards and fire preparedness in learning institutions, especially boarding schools, following several deadly dormitory fire tragedies reported in the country over the years.
Education stakeholders have continued to call for stronger safety measures in schools, including regular fire drills, improved emergency exits, proper electrical inspections, and adequate firefighting equipment in boarding facilities.
Parents and residents gathered near the school after news of the fire spread, with many expressing relief that all students were safely evacuated and no lives were lost.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the cause of the fire at Gacharage Girls High School.
