In the early hours of Thursday morning, a devastating fire swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Kenya, killing 16 students and injuring 79, in a tragedy that has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about the safety and security of the country's boarding schools. The fire, which occurred at around 1:00 am local time, has left many wondering what could have been done to prevent such a disaster. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, many are pointing to a disturbing trend of school fires in Kenya, with many incidents suspected to be cases of arson. Kenya has a legacy of colonial-era boarding schools, which are still common today, with many students attending schools far from their homes. This system has been criticized for contributing to the high incidence of school fires, as well as other social and academic issues. The country has experienced a series of devastating school fires in recent years, with many suspected to be cases of arson. In 2024, a dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county killed 21 boys, prompting government promises of nationwide school safety audits and prosecutions. The fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has had a devastating impact on the families of the victims, with many parents still searching for their missing children. Leila Matura, whose 18-year-old daughter was a student at the school, is desperate to find out if her child is alive or dead. The incident has also affected the broader community, with President William Ruto describing it as an 'unimaginable tragedy' and offering his condolences to the families of the victims. As the community comes together to heal and rebuild, many are calling for greater action to be taken to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic events, including exam stress, long school terms, and the legacy of colonial-era boarding schools. Education Minister Julius Migos Ogamba has stated that the ministry had closed around 350 schools since 2024 for failing to comply with safety standards, but it remains unclear whether these measures have been effectively implemented. The cause of the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy is still unknown, but many are suspecting that it may be a case of arson, as has been suspected in many previous school fires in Kenya. According to a 2018 report, there were 63 arson cases at schools in Kenya, with children often accused of deliberately starting fires due to exam stress and other factors. The Kenyan government will need to take swift and decisive action to address these issues and ensure the safety and security of students in the country's boarding schools. This may involve implementing stricter safety measures, providing greater support to students, and addressing the underlying issues contributing to these tragic events. As the investigation into the fire continues, one thing is clear: the safety and well-being of Kenya's students must be the top priority. The aftermath of the fire will be a difficult and challenging time for the families of the victims and the broader community. However, it also presents an opportunity for the Kenyan government to take action and make meaningful changes to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic events. By doing so, the country can work towards creating a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students, and preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.