NIGHT FIRE DISASTER AT GESERO SCHOOL: BOYS’ DORMITORY RAZED OVERNIGHT, STUDENTS ESCAPE UNHURT

A fire broke out last night at St. Charles Lwanga Gesero Secondary School in Riana Ward, Bonchari Constituency, Kisii South Sub-County, completely destroying a boys’ dormitory built with iron sheets.

The incident occurred at around 8 pm while students were still attending evening classes. According to reports, the fire started from one of the boys’ dormitories and quickly spread, burning down all students’ belongings inside the structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported since the learners were in their classrooms at the time of the incident.

Parents, teachers, and neighbouring residents rushed to the school and worked together to contain the blaze. However, residents expressed frustration after allegedly failing to get assistance from the Kisii County disaster management department despite making calls for more than three hours during the emergency.

Speaking after visiting the school, area MCA Victor Omwando conveyed his sympathy to the affected students and school fraternity. He blamed delays in the release of capitation funds by the national government, saying schools were expected to receive the funds in 2025 but many institutions were yet to benefit.

According to the MCA, the delays have forced some schools to continue using old iron-sheet dormitories that are highly vulnerable to fire outbreaks. He called on the national government to urgently release emergency and capitation funds to help schools improve infrastructure and respond effectively to disasters.

Residents also raised concerns over the lack of proper firefighting services in the area after no fire engine arrived at the scene. They appealed to Paul Simba Arati and Doris Aburi to intervene and support the affected students and their families.