Charred roof of a dormitory at Tengecha Boys High School in Kericho County following a fire on Sunday, October 4, 2026. /HANDOUTTengecha Boys High School in Kericho county has been closed indefinitely following a fire that broke out in a dormitory on Sunday.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with investigations expected to establish its cause.
Speaking to the media at the school on Monday, Kericho county Director of Education Julius Kones said the Ministry of Education had resolved to close the school after assessing the extent of the damage with the institution’s board of management.
“The affected students, especially those in Grade 10, number 571. The board decided it was best for them to go home,” he said.
Kones said the students could be recalled from next week to resume their ongoing school-based assessment tests.
He confirmed that no student was injured in the fire.
“I have been told by the head teacher that the students are calm despite yesterday’s incident, which was surprising,” he said.
Students, school staff and members of the surrounding community responded quickly to help salvage the students’ belongings as security officers and county firefighting engines arrived at the school.
Kones said no arrests had been made as investigations continued to determine whether the fire was caused by arson involving students.
The upper floor of the multi-storey dormitory was extensively damaged, but the fire was contained before it spread to the lower floors and other buildings within the school compound.
The incident has revived memories of fires reported in schools during the second term, when more than 200 institutions were closed amid widespread cases of student indiscipline.
The Ministry of Education said it would consider reviewing the second-term calendar next year after concerns that the 14-week period was too long and may have contributed to fatigue and anxiety among students.
Exam pressure, heavy-handed disciplinary measures, peer pressure and substance abuse were also cited as possible factors in some of the incidents.
