This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, a sombre mood characterized the memorial service for eight pupils from Precious Talents Primary School who died in a tragic classroom collapse.
The service was held at Ngong Race Course in Nairobi, where hundreds of mourners, including families of the deceased and fellow mourners, gathered to pay their respects.
Photos of the deceased pupils were displayed on tables covered in white and green linen, adorned with wreaths of roses, allowing mourners to catch a glimpse of the young lives lost.
The bodies of the eight children were at the City mortuary, awaiting handover to their parents later that day.
Officials from the Kenya Red Cross and Sonko Rescue team were present to assist the bereaved families.
The Nairobi County Government had pledged to cover the burial expenses of the eight victims.
The tragic incident occurred when the classrooms at Precious Talents Primary school collapsed, killing eight pupils and leaving over 50 others with serious injuries.
The affected pupils were in Class 6, 7, and 8. Following the incident, the school's operating license was revoked, and the owner was arrested.
Education CS George Magoha ordered the remaining pupils to be transferred to other schools, and warned that any school posing a danger to learners would be shut down.
