This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On Monday morning, a two-storey classroom building at Precious Talents Primary School in Nairobi's Dagoretti South collapsed, killing seven pupils and injuring 64 others.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha visited the site and directed that the school be closed for four days to allow for investigations into the tragedy.
"We have asked learners to stay at home over the next four days as we put in place adequate measures to ensure their safety of learning," said Prof Magoha.
Magoha inspected other classrooms in the school and found them to be stable, but expressed concern over the construction of an additional storey on a temporary structure.
He also announced plans to establish a new public primary school in the area, following complaints from local leaders and residents that the government had failed to provide one.
"The government will work towards establishing one. We shall ensure that land is made available by all measures possible and by the grace of God we will have a school in three to four months," Prof Magoha said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto sent their condolences to the families of the affected pupils, with the President assuring that the government was taking urgent action to contain the situation.
The Kenya Red Cross has set up an information centre and is providing psychosocial support services to those affected by the tragedy.
