Kenya Girls’ School Dormitory Fire Kills 16 Pupils

Middle Eastern outlets balance the focus between suspected arson by students and possible failures by school authorities. Coverage notes that even if students started the fire, locked doors, lack of alarms, and slow response may have turned it into a mass-casualty event. Commentators expect Kenyan officials to face questions over both criminal responsibility and systemic safety reforms.

• •Reports from Kenya describe the fire as a suspected arson attack carried out by students.
• •Education officials are being pressed to explain why so many girls were trapped in one dormitory.
• •Kenyan authorities are reviewing safety rules for boarding schools after the Utumishi Girls Academy fire.
• •Parents and local leaders are calling for both the students and school management to be held responsible where appropriate.
• •Regional coverage suggests that Kenya may order nationwide inspections of dormitories and fire equipment in public schools.