Machakos County • 26 March 2001 • School fire tragedy
Kyanguli Secondary School
This page documents a historical tragedy. It is not a SafeDormitory partner school. Content is based on public reporting and presented with respect for victims and families.
On the night of 26 March 2001, a dormitory fire at Kyanguli Secondary School killed 67 students, the deadliest school fire in Kenya's recorded history. Survivors described trapped exits and barred windows; a memorial now marks the site.
67 lives lost
19 reported injured
Why this story matters
- Deadliest school fire in Kenya's recorded history
- Led to national outrage and sustained calls for dormitory safety reform
- Memorial park established on the school grounds
- Decades later, similar tragedies show how much work remains
Timeline
2001-03-26
The fire
A dormitory housing boys was set ablaze at night. Investigations linked the blaze to arson amid disputes over school administration and conditions.