Police in Machakos are investigating a fire that tore through a dormitory at Mumbuni Girls Secondary School on Thursday evening, destroying students’ belongings but causing no fatalities.
The blaze broke out around 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of a two-storey dormitory that houses the school’s female students. Beds, mattresses, blankets, boxes and other personal effects were reduced to ashes.
Firefighters from Machakos County arrived quickly and contained the flames before they spread further. Police officers were also deployed to manage crowds as alarmed parents and neighbours rushed to the compound, some attempting to break in to help with rescue efforts.
Machakos Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich confirmed that no students were injured. “A few girls went into shock and were taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital. They were later discharged and returned to school,” he said.
Education officials, including County TSC Director Jimal Ahmed and County Director of Education Margaret Mwirigi, visited the school but declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations.
Parents who rushed to the scene described moments of panic. Faith Mathei, who works in Machakos town and has a younger sister at the school, said she felt immense relief after confirming the girls were safe. “Only a few had gone into shock, but they were treated and returned,” she said.
Another parent, Edna Ndunge, recalled helping students who had fainted during the commotion. Alfred Nguyo, whose sister is also a student, said three girls had been affected by shock but stabilised after treatment.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Authorities say forensic teams are examining the site to establish what triggered the blaze.
Mumbuni Girls Secondary School, located just two kilometres from Machakos town, is among the region’s well-regarded institutions, making the incident particularly unsettling for parents and the wider community.
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