NAIROBI, Kenya — Alliance High School has announced a temporary closure following a fire incident that affected part of a dormitory facility, becoming the latest learning institution to take precautionary measures amid growing concerns over student safety in Kenyan schools.
Police have arrested ten boys suspected of setting fire to a mattress store at Alliance High School, an incident that led to the institution’s temporary closure Thursday.
According to Board of Management chairperson Sam Ncheeri, the boys are with the police writing their statements. Their parents, he added, will be informed about the incident.
In a communication sent to parents, the school said the fire affected a section of mattresses in one of its older dormitories but was quickly contained before causing significant damage.
“We wish to inform you that an incident involving a small section of mattresses in one of the older dormitory facilities occurred within the school,” the statement said.
The school administration assured parents that no student was injured during the incident and that normal activities resumed after the situation was brought under control.
“We are grateful to report that the situation was promptly contained and managed by the school administration and relevant teams. Most importantly, all students are safe, accounted for, and continuing with their normal morning activities and academic routines,” the school added.
Parents meeting convened
As part of precautionary measures, Alliance High School’s Board of Management and administration resolved to temporarily close the institution and convene a meeting with parents.
“As a precautionary measure, and in keeping with our commitment to student welfare, safety, and open communication with parents, the Board of Management and the School Administration have resolved to convene a brief parents’ meeting at the school today at 10.00 a.m.,” the communication stated.
The school did not immediately indicate when learning activities would resume.
Growing wave of school closures
The development comes amid a series of school disruptions and closures across the country following recent fire incidents and student unrest.
On Tuesday, Moi Forces Academy Lanet announced a temporary closure affecting Grade 10 and Form Three learners, citing safety concerns following reports of fires in several schools nationwide.
In a notice to parents and guardians, the school said the decision was intended to safeguard students as authorities continue to assess the security situation in learning institutions.
“Following the recent happenings in schools in the country, and as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, the school will release Form 3 and Grade 10 learners to proceed home for a short break,” the notice read.
The school directed parents and guardians to personally collect their children from the institution, emphasizing that no learner would be released without proper authorization.
Lenana School also closed
The latest closures follow the indefinite suspension of learning at Lenana School, where students were recently sent home after unrest erupted during evening prep sessions.
In a communication to parents, the school’s chief principal said the temporary closure would allow administrators to restore order and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
“Following last night’s disturbances and unrest during prep time, the Board of Management and the school administration have decided to temporarily send all students home,” the statement said.
The administration added that the break would provide an opportunity to investigate the incident and implement measures aimed at restoring stability before learners return.
Also Read: Police detain 8 Utumishi Girls students in suspected arson probe
The recent incidents have heightened concerns over student safety in boarding schools, particularly following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured.
In response, the Ministry of Education has intensified inspections across schools and directed institutions to strengthen compliance with safety regulations, emergency preparedness protocols, and student welfare guidelines.
Education officials have urged school administrators, parents, and students to work together in promoting a safe learning environment as investigations into the recent incidents continue.
