Police in Voi sub-county have started a probe to establish the cause of a mysterious fire that gutted down a dormitory at Voi Boys High School in Voi sub-county on Tuesday morning.
Voi Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Nduti said security organs and officials of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) had started investigations into the cause of the inferno that destroyed a dormitory at the institution.
Speaking to KNA on Wednesday, the DCC said that no student was injured during the incident. He, however, said the students suffered losses of personal belongings.
“We are grateful that no one was hurt. We are now awaiting the report on what could have caused the fire,” he said.
The dormitory that burned down had a maximum carrying capacity of 55 students.
Taita-Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo said that public institutions needed to be trained on disaster preparedness, including conducting fire emergency drills. She also stated that institutions and business establishments needed to have fire-fighting equipment, including extinguishers, to combat fire emergencies before fire engines arrived.
“There is a need to have training on disaster responsiveness and other emergencies to avoid losses in the case of fire outbreaks,” she said.
Mr. Elius Mwachika, the school board chair, said though the fire affected a smaller dormitory, the learners lost their belongings, including mattresses and other personal effects.
“They had gone to preps when the fire broke out. No one was hurt, but personal effects could not be salvaged,” he said.
To ensure there is no disruption in learning, Voi MP Abdi Chome has already provided 72 mattresses and other bedding to the affected learners. The government also donated 20 bags of rice, while the county promised to mobilize resources to support the institution to overcome the loss.
A fortnight ago, a fire burned down a dormitory at Canon Kituri Secondary School in Wundanyi. Over 200 students were affected by the incident.
By Dzilambe Kwaka
