Alliance High students sent home as school unrests spiral out of control

Students at Alliance High School in Kiambu County have been sent home for the weekend after a fire broke out in a mattress store within one of the institution’s older dormitories on Thursday morning.

The school administration confirmed that the fire was quickly contained before it could spread to other facilities, and no student was injured during the incident.

In a statement to parents and guardians, Principal David Chomba assured them that all learners were safe and accounted for, adding that the fire did not affect classrooms or disrupt academic activities.

“We wish to inform you that an incident involving a small section of mattresses in one of the older dormitory facilities occurred within the school. We are grateful to report that the situation was promptly contained and managed by the school administration and relevant teams. Most importantly, all students are safe, accounted for, and continuing with their normal morning activities and academic routines,” Chomba said.

The principal explained that the decision to release students was purely precautionary, allowing the school to conduct internal assessments and make necessary preparations to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.

Following the incident, parents and guardians were invited to a meeting at the school to receive an update on the situation and discuss measures being taken to safeguard student welfare. After the meeting, they were expected to leave with their sons and spend the weekend together at home.

“This measure is intended solely to provide an opportunity for students to be with their families as the school undertakes further internal reviews and preparations to ensure continued normalcy and a conducive learning environment,” Chomba added.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over safety and unrest in schools across the country.

Recently, students at Nakuru Girls High School and Njoro Girls High School were also sent home under unclear circumstances.

Others closed indefinitely include Lenana Boys High School and Loreto Girls’ High School in Limuru, Kiambu County.

It also follows the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, which claimed the lives of 16 students after a dormitory caught fire.

Meanwhile, Maranda High School in Siaya County is preparing to reopen for Form Four students this weekend after an indefinite closure occasioned by student unrest.

According to a directive issued by Chief Principal Edwin Namachanja and the school’s Board of Management, the re-admission exercise will be conducted in phases on June 5 and June 6, 2026. Students must report by 10:00 a.m. accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The school has also imposed financial requirements for re-admission, directing parents to clear all outstanding fee arrears and pay a mandatory damage restitution fee of Sh2,695 per student before learners are allowed back to school.