Fire Razes Sameta Boys Dormitory as Students Escape Narrowly, Several Injured

A dormitory at Sameta Boys High School in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County, was partially destroyed by fire on Monday afternoon, leaving several students with minor injuries but no fatalities reported.

Police who visited the scene confirmed that the affected structure was the Miriu Dormitory Block, which is split into two sections—Miriu West and Miriu East. Investigators established that Miriu West, which accommodates 151 students, was completely gutted by the blaze.

Emergency responders, however, managed to contain the fire before it spread to Miriu East, preventing what could have been a larger disaster. Students in the unaffected section were able to salvage some of their belongings as firefighters brought the situation under control.

The Kisii County Fire Brigade, supported by members of the public, responded swiftly to the incident and successfully extinguished the fire at approximately 2:50 p.m. Their quick intervention prevented the flames from consuming adjacent structures within the school.

Sameta Sub-County Police Commander Lucy Mugambi confirmed that no deaths were recorded in the incident. She noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation.

Seven students sustained minor cut injuries while attempting to retrieve their personal belongings from the burning dormitory. Six of the injured students were taken to Gucha Sub-County Level Four Hospital for treatment, while one was admitted at Sameta Med Care Hospital for further care.

In addition, a member of the public who suffered a leg injury during the rescue efforts was also taken to Gucha Sub-County Level Four Hospital.

The incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks in learning institutions across the country, raising renewed concern over safety standards in boarding schools.

The most devastating recent case occurred at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students lost their lives in an arson attack that shocked the nation. Investigations into that incident are ongoing, with seven suspects expected to be arraigned on Tuesday, June 2.

According to detectives, the Utumishi fire was allegedly linked to student grievances including changes to examination dates, disputes over contributions for a cultural event, and peer influence following strikes in neighbouring schools.

Forensic analysis of CCTV footage reportedly shows that the arson plan was conceived hours before the attack and executed around 12:10 a.m., with investigators also probing possible external involvement in supplying accelerants such as paraffin.

Authorities say additional suspects are still being pursued as part of ongoing investigations into the Utumishi case.

While the Sameta Boys fire did not result in fatalities, education and security officials are expected to intensify inspections and safety enforcement measures in schools nationwide as concerns over recurring dormitory fires continue to grow.