Alliance High School has been closed indefinitely after a fire broke out at the school’s mattress store early Thursday morning, prompting the administration to send students home as a precaution. School principal David Chomba confirmed the incident, stating that the fire was quickly contained and did not affect students, classrooms, dormitories, or other learning facilities within the institution.
According to reports, the fire started at around 4 a.m. and was detected in time for emergency responders to act swiftly. Their rapid response helped prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings, reducing the risk of a larger disaster within the school compound.
While no injuries were reported and no students were harmed, the school administration decided to suspend operations temporarily and asked parents and guardians to collect their children as authorities assess the situation.
The closure comes as investigations begin into the cause of the fire. Relevant agencies are expected to examine the scene and establish what may have triggered the blaze.
Preliminary inquiries are likely to focus on the circumstances surrounding the early morning incident and whether any external or internal factors contributed to the outbreak.
Although the damage was limited to the mattress store, the incident has raised concerns due to the growing number of fire-related cases being reported in schools across the country.
In recent weeks, several institutions have faced disruptions linked to student unrest and suspected arson incidents. Some schools, including Loreto High School Limuru, Lenana School, and Moi Forces Academy, have been closed indefinitely following disturbances that resulted in property destruction and safety concerns.
The Alliance High School incident also comes against the backdrop of the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls High School in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The fire claimed the lives of 16 students and left more than 70 others injured, making it one of the deadliest school disasters in recent years.
Investigators believe the incident may have been an act of arson, and at least nine suspects have since been arrested, arraigned, and charged as investigations continue.
The rise in school fires has sparked concern among education stakeholders, government officials, parents, and teachers. Many have called for stronger efforts to address discipline challenges and create safer learning environments for students.
Speaking earlier this week in Imenti South Sub-County, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi described the increasing number of school fire incidents as alarming.
He warned that the trend poses a serious threat to the education sector and urged parents, teachers, and communities to work together in guiding learners and promoting responsible behaviour.
Education stakeholders continue to emphasize that preventing unrest and protecting schools requires a collective effort.
