The government through its spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has issued an update on the fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy Nyeri where initial reports had indicated that 70 children were missing.

In a statement shared with Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, Mwaura confirmed that the institution had 330 learners and all the 166 girls were at home with their parents.

He further added that in the boys category, the school housed 164, all of whom were accounted for.

"The tragic loss of 21 of our children following the fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in the boys' dormitory is a catastrophe beyond our imagination," read the statement in part.

"2 of the boys died in the hospital while undergoing treatment and 19 other bodies were recovered from the burnt dormitory. There were 330 boarders, 166 girls and 164 boys." 

The government spokesman noted that all the girls were unaffected by the incident, "All girls are at home with their parents while all the 164 boys have been accounted for."

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) together with the government pathologist on Monday, September 9, conducted investigations and scientific analysis.

"The parents of the 19 learners who succumbed are yet to identify their children. They will be proceeding to Naromoru for autopsy and processing," added the statement.

Given the enormity of the tragedy, the government has arranged for the parents to receive mental health and psychosocial support to absorb the loss.

Since the incident happened, health professionals have been camping on-site to provide specialized care and assistance. Their efforts are centred on ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical care.

Some of the initiatives include the provision of essential medical supplies and the coordination of blood donations. The Ministry of Health has dispatched four mass casualty kits to the County, with the capacity to serve up to 200 individuals.

Additionally, a complete trauma kit, along with two complete response bags containing a range of drugs, supplies, and equipment have been handed over to the County to support the ongoing response.

"The Ministry’s forensic team is collaborating closely with all agencies involved in the identification of the bodies of the children who tragically lost their lives in the fire," read the statement.