Govt Steps In After Fire Breaks Out at Thika Children’s Rescue Centre
The government has stepped in following a fire incident at the Thika Children’s Rescue Centre, moving quickly to ensure the safety and welfare of all the children housed at the facility.
The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services confirmed that 63 boys were safely evacuated after a dormitory caught fire on February 17.
The fire destroyed one of the dormitories at the rescue centre. This particular dormitory had been home to children who have been living under care at the facility for several years.
Although the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, authorities have assured the public that investigations are already underway to determine what triggered the incident.
According to the ministry, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Staff members acted quickly to move all the children to safety as soon as the fire broke out.
Emergency measures were immediately put in place to protect the children and make sure they were safe, calm, and properly taken care of during and after the incident.
The Principal Secretary, Caren Ageng’o, personally visited the centre to assess the situation on the ground. She was accompanied by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and other government security officials.
During the visit, they inspected the damaged dormitory and held discussions with the management of the facility on the next steps.
The leaders assured the public that alternative accommodation was being arranged to ensure that the affected children would not be left without shelter. They also confirmed that essential supplies such as bedding, clothing, food, and other daily necessities were being organized.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the boys continue with their education without disruption and that psychosocial support is provided to help them cope with the trauma caused by the fire.
The Principal Secretary also expressed appreciation for the swift response from the Kenya Army Barracks in Thika and the Kiambu County Government.
Their quick action helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading further within the facility, which could have led to more serious damage.
Government agencies have since launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities have promised to keep the public informed as more details emerge regarding the cause of the fire and any additional measures that may be taken to strengthen safety at children’s institutions.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of fire outbreaks in learning institutions and children’s facilities across Kenya since the beginning of 2026. Several schools have reported similar cases, raising concerns about dormitory safety and property protection.
On January 27, Nyakeiri Secondary School experienced a dormitory fire that caused significant destruction of property. Following the incident, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) opened an inquiry to establish the cause and determine whether foul play was involved.
Earlier in the same month, Matungulu Boys’ High School suffered a devastating fire that destroyed three dormitories.
Five students were critically injured in the blaze, and nearly 300 learners lost their personal belongings. Authorities later arrested four students in connection with suspected arson as investigations continued.
Koiwa High School also reported a fire that razed one of its dormitories, leaving 113 students counting losses, although fortunately no injuries were recorded in that case.
In Kajiado County, Enkasiti Primary School was also affected by a fire incident. Local leaders visited the school to assess the extent of the damage and explore ways to support recovery efforts.
The growing number of fire incidents in schools and children’s facilities has sparked renewed debate about safety standards, emergency preparedness, and the need for stronger preventive measures to protect learners and vulnerable children across the country.
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