Property Worth Millions Destroyed in Morning Fire at Eldoret's Hill School

Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed after a fire broke out at Hill School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, early Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. at Block 6 of the Senior School, with the fire later contained by emergency responders.

The affected dormitory accommodated approximately 340 students; at the time the fire broke out, the students were attending their morning preps in classrooms, helping prevent injuries.

The response was led by the Head of Region (HOR), North Rift, together with the County Coordinator (CC), Uasin Gishu, in coordination with police officers, the fire brigade and members of the community.

In a statement, Hill School Principal Naftali Mibei confirmed that all learners were safe and clarified that the fire was restricted to the Senior School block.

"We wish to reassure you that all our learners are safe following the fire incident reported in our school today. The fire outbreak occurred at Block 6 of the Senior School and did not affect the Primary School," he said.

Mibei said the quick response from school staff and emergency teams helped bring the situation under control, adding that normal operations had resumed.

"We thank God that there were no casualties. The situation was quickly brought under control by our staff and the fire response team, and normalcy has been restored. Our learners are safe and calm," he added.

The principal also thanked parents, guardians and other members of the public for their concern and support following the incident.

"We sincerely appreciate your concern, support and understanding. Please remain calm and be assured that the safety and well-being of our learners remains our top priority," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a ruling allowing eight minors accused of murdering 16 students at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, to remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of their case.

In a statement on Monday, September 21, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the minors had sought to be released on bond, but the prosecution opposed their application, arguing that their continued detention was necessary to preserve the integrity of the trial and ensure the proper administration of justice.

The Kibera High Court considered the prosecution’s objections and found that there were compelling reasons to keep the eight minors in custody pending the conclusion of the case.

"The Kibera High Court today upheld the prosecution’s objection to the release of the eight minors on bond, finding that the DPP had established compelling reasons to warrant their continued detention pending the hearing and determination of the case," the statement read.

Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the charges against the minors were serious, with each facing 16 counts of murder arising from the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy.

The court also considered the potential risks associated with releasing the minors, with the prosecution maintaining that their continued detention was necessary as the case proceeds.

"Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the minors are facing 16 counts of murder arising from the tragic fire at the school and that their release would expose them to potential harm," the statement added.