Alliance High School has been closed indefinitely following a fire that destroyed about 200 mattresses. Eleven students are being held by police in connection with a planned strike linked to the incident.

• 11 students detained for questioning over a planned strike.
• Alliance High School closed indefinitely after a fire.
• Parents asked to collect children and attend a meeting regarding student welfare and school safety.

A disturbing wave of unrest and fires is sweeping across Kenyan schools, leading to destruction, injuries, and deaths, prompting nationwide concern and government intervention.

• A recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy on May 28 claimed the lives of 16 students and injured 79 others.
• Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has ordered nationwide inspections and stressed the importance of student engagement and addressing grievances.
• Many incidents are linked to examination anxiety, overcrowding, faulty wiring, and inadequate safety measures, with concerns raised about the implementation of existing safety policies.

Alliance High School experienced a fire on Thursday morning, prompting the urgent request for parents to collect their children.

• The fire reportedly torched a mattress store within the school premises.
• The Principal of Alliance High School confirmed the incident, assuring that all students are safe.
• Parents are being asked to pick up their children from the school.

Recent school fires, including one at Utumishi Girls Academy claiming 16 students and another at Hillside Endarasha Academy with 21 pupils, have reignited a debate on the safety and management of Kenyan boarding schools.

• 16 students died in a recent fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
• Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for a review of the boarding school system and the 100 per cent transition policy.
• Issues include overcrowding, obstructed escape routes, and illegally locked doors, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and high enrolment.