By Erestinah Jane, July 12, 2026
Chianda Boys High School in Siaya County has been closed indefinitely after a second major dormitory fire in less than a month destroyed one of the institution’s hostels, displacing more than 100 students and prompting fresh concerns over school safety.
The fire broke out on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026, razing the Senior Chief Nathan Ojungo House, a dormitory that primarily accommodates Form Three students.
Following the incident, the school administration suspended learning and directed all students to return home over the weekend to pave the way for investigations, recovery efforts and implementation of enhanced safety measures before learning resumes.
According to the school management, the blaze completely destroyed the hostel, leaving 113 students without personal belongings, bedding, uniforms, books and other academic materials.
Despite the extensive damage, there were no fatalities or serious injuries. School officials and emergency responders confirmed that all students were safely evacuated and accounted for during the incident.
The latest fire has heightened anxiety among parents, education stakeholders and local leaders as it marks the second dormitory fire at the institution within a month. An earlier blaze occurred on June 16, 2026, raising questions about the school’s fire preparedness and overall safety systems.
Police officers, together with officials from the Ministry of Education, have launched a joint investigation to establish the cause of the latest fire. Investigators are expected to examine whether the incident resulted from an electrical fault, negligence or other possible causes while also reviewing the school’s safety and security protocols.
The indefinite closure is intended to provide the school administration with adequate time to restore normalcy and put in place temporary accommodation for the affected learners before classes resume.
School management is also expected to begin constructing temporary hostel structures to accommodate displaced students as plans for rebuilding the destroyed dormitory get underway.
Meanwhile, the school’s Board of Management, education officials, local administrators and security agencies are expected to hold a series of consultative meetings to assess the damage, review compliance with school safety regulations and develop a comprehensive recovery plan.
The meetings will also focus on strengthening fire prevention measures, improving emergency response systems and ensuring the institution meets all safety requirements before students are recalled.
The incident comes amid growing national concern over recurring fires in learning institutions, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of safety standards, regular inspections of school facilities and increased investment in fire prevention infrastructure.
Parents have urged authorities to expedite investigations and ensure those affected receive the necessary support, including replacement of learning materials and counselling services where required.
Education officials have assured parents that the safety and well-being of learners remain the top priority, adding that students will only be allowed back once the school is declared safe and adequate measures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
