A fire at Ngao Girls Secondary School in Tarasaa, Tana River county, injured dozens of students and destroyed a dormitory on Monday evening, March 23, 2026. The incident was reported to have occurred around 7:15 PM local time.
According to verified reports from the Kenya Red Cross and local authorities, at least 58 students sustained injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation and minor burns while trying to escape. All injured students were treated at nearby health facilities and later discharged. There were no fatalities reported.
Preliminary investigations by the County Government of Tana River and the school's management indicate the fire was caused by an electrical fault. The blaze completely gutted the affected dormitory, destroying students' personal belongings.
The school administration, with support from the Ministry of Education and the local community, is making arrangements for the affected students. The incident has prompted calls for a review of safety standards in boarding schools across the region.
