An eight-year-old boy is under police care after allegedly setting a dormitory on fire at a boarding school in Bomet County, in an incident that has reignited concerns over safety and child welfare in Kenyan schools.
The pupil, a Grade Four learner at Kriddol Academy in Kapletundo area, Sotik Sub-County, is said to have started the fire on Sunday night, razing down a dormitory that accommodated about 40 pupils.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as all learners were safely evacuated, but dozens of students lost their personal belongings in the blaze.
Police officers who responded to the incident said preliminary investigations indicate that the child may have acted out of distress.
The boy reportedly told authorities that he was unhappy after being transferred from his previous school and did not want to continue studying at the new institution.
Following the incident, the minor was taken into protective custody, with police emphasizing that he is not being treated as a criminal due to his age.
Authorities are now working closely with the child’s parents, school management, and child protection officers to determine the appropriate intervention measures.
The incident has sparked fresh debate on the emotional well-being of young learners in boarding schools, especially at such a tender age. Education and child rights advocates are calling for closer monitoring of pupils, enhanced guidance and counselling services, and stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Investigations into the fire are ongoing as education officials assess the extent of the damage and the next steps for the affected pupils.
