Dorms razed to the ground
Summary: Two separate fires hit boarding facilities in and around Kisumu in the early hours of Tuesday, 2 September 2025. Nyabondo School’s Otunga dormitory was engulfed in flames at about 4:00am, while a separate fire at Otieno Oyoo High School occurred around 2:00am and left one student injured. Authorities have launched investigations and emergency crews responded to both scenes.
Nyabondo School — Otunga Dormitory Destroyed
At approximately 4:00am on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, the Otunga dormitory at Nyabondo School caught fire and was rapidly consumed. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before the blaze spread through the 100-capacity building. Fire services and local emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and worked to contain the fire. The full extent of property loss is still being assessed; thankfully, there are no confirmed casualties at the time of reporting.
Otieno Oyoo High School — One Student Injured
Earlier the same night, around 2:00am, a fire broke out at Otieno Oyoo High School in Kisumu. The incident left one student injured and in need of medical attention. Rescue efforts by staff, fellow students and nearby residents helped evacuate occupants and prevent further loss of life. Police and district fire investigators have opened probes into the cause of the blaze.
Response and Ongoing Investigations
County officials and education stakeholders have been notified and are coordinating support for the affected schools. Investigators from the police and fire services are examining both scenes to establish causes, including the possibility of accidental ignition, electrical faults or foul play. School authorities are working to account for all students and to provide counselling and temporary shelter where necessary.
Context
Boarding school fires remain a serious concern across the country; recent years have seen several devastating incidents that prompted calls for stricter fire safety enforcement in schools. Local education authorities say they will prioritise a rapid assessment of safety measures at Kisumu boarding institutions and provide updates as investigations progress.