Busia County, Kenya – May 12, 2025 — Bukhalalire High School in Butula Sub-County has been closed indefinitely after a dormitory fire left at least six students with serious injuries. The incident, which occurred last night, has sent education officials scrambling and raised fresh concerns about school safety across the country.
Fire Happened While Students Were Sleeping
Witnesses say the fire broke out at 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 11 in one of the school’s dormitories housing 200 students. The students were asleep when the fire started and many were caught off guard by the emergency.
The dormitory was completely destroyed and six students were badly burned, four of whom are in critical condition. They were first taken to Khunyangu District Hospital before being transferred to Busia County Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Education Officials React
Speaking to the press on Monday, Butula Sub-County Director of Education John Kemei confirmed the school’s indefinite closure, saying the decision was reached after a meeting with the Board of Management (BoM).
“We have assessed the situation and found out it’s not safe for students to stay in school. We want to give you a break so you can go and rest a bit,” Kemei said.
He praised local residents including a former Member of County Assembly who helped contain the fire in the early hours of the morning before it spread to other buildings.
Investigation Launched
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire but no statement has been made on the suspected cause. However, school fires in Kenya have become a growing concern, often linked to student unrest or conflict.
Recent Similar Incidents Raise Alarm
The Bukhalalire incident comes just three days after a similar fire at Igikiro Boys High School in Makuyu, Murang’a County where another dormitory was destroyed. In that case, no one was injured but several students were displaced and a suspect was arrested for allegedly setting the fire.Preliminary investigations at Igikiro point to three students being involved in the fire. The double tragedy has raised concerns about student discipline and dormitory safety across the country.
Call for School Safety Boost
The two incidents have prompted a call for the Ministry of Education and school BoMs to strengthen security, surveillance and ensure dormitory safety is enforced. Lives are at stake, stakeholders say reactive measures are no longer enough.