How Kenya started DNA testing to identify school fire victims

Kenya began DNA testing on Monday to identify the victims of last week's tragic dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy. The devastating blaze claimed the lives of 21 boys, raising concerns about safety protocols in schools across the country. The government has declared three days of mourning to honor the victims, while officials work to identify the children, many of whose bodies were burned beyond recognition.

Nineteen bodies were recovered from the dormitory, while two more died in the hospital. However, 17 boys remain unaccounted for, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Families are anxiously waiting for news, as authorities urged them to gather at Naromoru Hospital for forensic identification of their loved ones.

Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murigu confirmed that DNA testing is the only way to identify the victims, given the severity of the fire. Postmortems are set to begin on Tuesday, led by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor.

President William Ruto declared a mourning period from Monday to Wednesday, with flags flying at half-mast in public buildings, military bases, and embassies. He also called for a thorough investigation into the disaster, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures in schools.

The Kenya Red Cross has provided psychological support to families and students affected by the tragedy, offering counseling services near the school.

This fire is one of several incidents in recent years highlighting school safety issues in Kenya. On Saturday, another fire broke out at Isiolo Girls High School, with reports of minor injuries, and on Sunday, a dormitory at Njia Boys High School was also destroyed by fire, though no casualties were reported.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has ordered an investigation to determine if negligence or recklessness contributed to the Endarasha fire, while the National Gender and Equality Commission pointed to overcrowding as a violation of safety standards.