The fire is reported to have broken out at around 1am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, before spreading through part of the school dormitory as students slept.
Emergency response teams were later alerted, with the Kenya Red Cross confirming that the incident was officially reported at about 3.30am.
Rescue operations were still ongoing Thursday morning as emergency personnel worked through the scene in search of survivors and to establish the full extent of the tragedy.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that search and rescue efforts were continuing, even as authorities moved to account for all learners within the institution.
The number of students injured in the fire had not been immediately established by Thursday morning. However, reports from the school indicated that a headcount exercise was underway as officials sought to determine how many students had been affected.
The incident sparked panic among parents and guardians, many of whom rushed to the school after receiving news of the fire. Emotional scenes were witnessed outside the institution as worried families waited for updates from school administrators and emergency responders.
Authorities at the school restricted access to the compound, stating that only parents and guardians would be allowed inside as rescue and identification efforts continued.
Emergency teams, including personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, police officers, firefighters and medical responders, remained at the scene for several hours. Ambulances were also deployed to assist those injured and transport victims for treatment.
Witnesses described moments of confusion and fear as students attempted to flee the burning dormitory during the night. Some students are said to have escaped through windows and exits as smoke engulfed sections of the building.
The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication, with investigations expected to begin once rescue operations are completed and the scene secured.
The tragedy has once again renewed concerns over safety standards in boarding schools across the country, particularly regarding dormitory preparedness and emergency response systems.