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.

Kenya's Ministry of Education has ordered schools to suspend any second-term examinations that may cause student unrest. This directive comes after a series of incidents, including a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls High School.

• The directive aims to prevent anger, disappointment, or disenfranchisement among students.
• Issued by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
• The fire at Utumishi Girls High School, which killed 16 and injured 79, is believed to have been sparked by a sudden exam schedule change.

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.