15 Students Rushed to Kangundo Level 4 After School Fire
At least 15 students were injured and rushed to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital following a late-night fire that broke out at Matungulu Boys Secondary School in Kangundo, Machakos County, sparking renewed concern over safety in learning institutions.
According to preliminary reports, the fire erupted in the early hours of Monday, January 26, 2026, forcing students to flee their dormitories as flames spread rapidly through the school compound. The injured learners were treated for minor burns, smoke inhalation, and injuries sustained during the frantic evacuation.
School officials confirmed that three dormitories were completely destroyed in the inferno, leaving hundreds of students without shelter and personal belongings. Beds, mattresses, books, uniforms, and bedding were reduced to ashes, affecting more than 300 learners.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread quickly, overwhelming initial efforts to contain it before emergency responders arrived.
“The fire started suddenly, and within minutes the dormitory was fully engulfed. The boys had to break windows and doors to escape,” said one teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The cause of the fire had not been established by the time of publication, but the scale of destruction has raised serious questions about the school’s ability to continue normal operations in the coming weeks. Parents and education stakeholders have expressed concern over the loss of key infrastructure and the psychological impact on affected students.
Several parents who arrived at the school shortly after the incident voiced frustration and anger, with some linking the fire to a growing trend of unrest and indiscipline in schools.
“We are not pleased with what these boys have done. We have seen the heavy losses incurred,” said Joash Mulwa, a parent who lives near the institution.
Another parent and Parents’ Association leader, identified as Mutiso, called for a thorough review of the school’s management and discipline structures.
“The education at Kangundo has been going down for a few years, and as a parents’ association, we now need to relook at this issue,” he said. “What you are seeing here is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Machakos County education officials said they were assessing the situation and working with the school administration to determine how learning would proceed for affected students. Temporary accommodation arrangements are expected to be considered as investigations continue.
The incident comes amid heightened concern nationally over a series of fires and unrest reported in secondary schools, prompting renewed calls for improved safety measures, counselling services, and stronger engagement between school management, parents, and learners.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrived at Matungulu Boys Secondary School later on Monday to examine the scene and collect evidence. Investigators are expected to establish whether the fire was accidental or deliberately started.
“We have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the fire, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable,” a senior police officer said.
Officials from the Ministry of Education are also expected to visit the school to assess compliance with safety regulations, including fire preparedness, emergency exits, and the availability of firefighting equipment.
“Our children deserve a safe environment to learn. We hope this tragedy will lead to lasting solutions,” said one concerned parent.
Meanwhile, the injured students remain under observation at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, with health officials reporting that all are in stable condition.
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15 Students Rushed to Kangundo Level 4 After School Fire
