15 Students Hospitalised After Dormitory Fire at Kangundo School
A devastating fire ripped through dormitories at Matungulu Boys Secondary School in Kangundo, Machakos County, early Monday morning, January 26, 2026, sending at least 15 students to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital with injuries and sparking widespread concern among parents and education officials.
Incident Overview: Late-Night Blaze Forces Evacuation
The fire broke out in the early hours, rapidly engulfing three dormitories and forcing hundreds of students to flee for safety. Preliminary reports indicate that the flames destroyed beds, books, bedding, uniforms, and other personal belongings belonging to over 300 learners, leaving many without basic essentials in the aftermath.
While no fatalities were reported, the 15 injured students were rushed to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital for treatment, highlighting the severity of the incident and the urgent need for medical attention amid the chaos.
Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation
The exact origin of the blaze has not yet been determined. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have visited the scene to examine evidence and piece together what happened. Authorities are working to establish whether the fire resulted from an accident or other factors, amid a broader pattern of school unrest in the region.
Massive Destruction and Impact on School Infrastructure
The destruction of three entire dormitories has severely disrupted the school’s boarding facilities, which are critical to its operations as a boys’ secondary institution. Education stakeholders have raised alarms about the school’s immediate ability to resume normal learning and accommodate students safely.
Parents now face the daunting task of replacing lost items, adding financial strain during an already challenging period.
Parents Voice Anger and Call for Student Discipline
Local parents expressed deep frustration over the incident. Joash Mulwa, a resident near the school, strongly condemned the destruction:
“We are not pleased with what these boys have done. We have seen the heavy losses incurred. This idea of burning up schools needs to end.”
He urged fellow parents to engage their children in serious conversations about responsibility and discipline.
Sila Mutiso, Chairperson of the Parents Association in Machakos County, described the damage as overwhelming and potentially costing billions of shillings. He warned that the financial burden would ultimately fall back on parents:
“The damage that is here is going into the billions, and you see these expenses will go back to the parent.”
Mutiso also highlighted broader issues, including declining academic performance at the school in recent years, calling for a comprehensive review:
“The education at Kangundo has been going down for a few years… What you are seeing here is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Calls for Accountability and Long-Term Solutions
The incident has reignited discussions about student unrest, discipline, and safety in boarding schools across Machakos County and beyond. Parents and leaders are pushing for stronger measures to prevent future occurrences, including improved oversight and addressing underlying grievances that may contribute to such events.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected students, rebuilding essential facilities, and ensuring the school can safely resume operations for its learners.
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15 Students Hospitalised After Dormitory Fire at Kangundo School