By Japheth Ogada
A dormitory at Jomo Kenyatta Boys High School was destroyed by fire late Monday night following reports of student unrest at the institution.
The blaze prompted an emergency response from police officers and firefighters, who rushed to the school to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other buildings within the compound.
Witnesses said thick smoke and flames could be seen rising from the affected dormitory as emergency responders battled the fire. Residents living near the school gathered outside the institution as the operation continued into the night.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident may have followed unrest among students, although authorities had not officially confirmed the cause of the fire by the time of publication.
Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the blaze was deliberately started.
Emergency teams managed to contain the fire before it spread to neighbouring structures, a move that is believed to have prevented further destruction within the school.
School officials had not issued a comprehensive statement on the extent of the damage or the possible impact on learning activities by the time of publication.
It also remained unclear whether any students or members of staff sustained injuries during the incident, with authorities expected to provide an update after completing assessments at the scene.
The incident has renewed concerns over recurring cases of student unrest in schools across the country.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger guidance and counselling programmes, improved communication between students and school administrations and early intervention mechanisms to address grievances before they escalate.
Parents and guardians have similarly urged schools to strengthen conflict-resolution measures aimed at protecting lives and property within learning institutions.
Police officers remained at the school overnight as investigations continued and security was reinforced to maintain calm within the institution.
Fire experts are expected to examine the affected building to establish the exact cause and origin of the blaze.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations continue.