The Hillside Endarasha Academy owner, David Kinyua, on Tuesday, revealed several changes that are being made to the school after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) handed it over for renovations on Saturday.
Kinyua told the press that a committee was formed to ensure that all the pupils who lost their property to the fire are provided with everything and noted that parents will not be required to repurchase anything when school resumes.
Speaking to NTV on September 17, Kinyua stated, “We have planned how the pupils will be given everything. All the way from the mattress, box, uniform, and shoes, so the children will come the way they left.”
As for the reopening of the school, he noted that he recalled the parents for a prayer meeting on Monday where they will discuss the way forward, including reopening, for a smooth transition for the pupils.
An image of one of the wooden dorms at Endarasha Hillside Academy
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Also present at the meeting will be a reverend from the local church, education officials, and teachers.
The owner further noted that the dormitory that burned down will not be renovated but another one will be built afresh at a different site.
Additionally, the pathway leading to the building has also been closed to ensure that the pupils, especially the boys heading to their dorms will not be re-traumatised.
Kinyua revealed that there are a number of well-wishers ready and willing to donate to the affected pupils.
Expressing his heartbreak over the loss, Kinyua noted that he had been with the pupils for 13 years so the loss was very traumatising for everyone involved including pupils, teachers, and parents alike.
He, therefore, requested continued prayers from the public as the school prepares to resume once renovations are done.
Kinyua also expressed sincere gratitude to the Kenya Red Cross for promptly intervening and offering counseling services to all the pupils and all the individuals affected by the tragedy that left 21 pupils dead.
He also thanked the DCI for taking over the investigations and said that they were all eagerly waiting for the final report.
Hillside Endarasha Academy burned down on September 6 leaving 21 pupils dead and several others injured.
What followed was a flurry of investigations that, for a few days, left more questions than answers. With an initial 70 pupils being unaccounted for, Kenyans even staged a protest at the school demanding answers from the government before a final report where all the children were accounted for was later released on September 12.
President Ruto initially received criticism for donating maize and beans when the tragedy occurred but he later donated Ksh2 million on September 15.
Office Block of Hillside Endarasha Academy.
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