Arson Attacks Shut Down Kiambu Schools Weeks Before KCSE Exams

Kiambu, Kenya — 2025-09-08 18:00 EAT. A string of dormitory fires has forced at least eight high schools in Kiambu County to close, displacing thousands of students just weeks before the national KCSE exams begin.

The Latest

The arson wave began on September 5 at Mururia Boys High School before spreading to institutions like Muhoho Highand Uchekeini Boys. Local reports attribute the fires to unrest among students allegedly seeking to disrupt the national exams.

Education officials have yet to confirm alternative exam plans as investigations continue.

Status: Developing, as of 2025-09-08 18:00 EAT.

Context in Brief

School fires in Kenya have historically flared before major exams, often linked to student unrest, inadequate counseling, or disputes over school rules. The scale of this month’s attacks in Kiambu, however, is unprecedented so close to the KCSE calendar.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: Basic Education Act 2013; Education Regulations on school safety.

• Mandates: Ministry of Education and County Education Boards must ensure learning continuity and safety.

• Next steps: Schools must submit incident reports before the Education CS authorizes reopening or relocation of affected students.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Parents: “All these are happening under the watch of the school management, and nothing is being done,” said a parent at Mururia Boys, demanding accountability (2025-09-06).

• Community leaders: Urged counseling for students and tighter security measures to prevent further incidents.

• Education officials: County Director of Education promised investigations but gave no timelines for alternative KCSE exam arrangements.

Evidence & Data

• Numbers: 8 schools affected; thousands of students displaced; mid-October KCSE exam start date.

• Documents: Incident reports awaited from affected schools; police investigation files pending.

• Verification: EducationNews.co.ke reports; on-record parent interviews; Ministry of Education press office silent as of Sept. 8.

Risks and Implications

• Education: Students risk repeating academic years if exams disrupted.

• Finance: High repair costs for dormitories, libraries, and school equipment.

• Security: Possible copycat attacks if root causes remain unaddressed.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether suspects have been identified or arrested.

• If exams will be relocated or postponed.

• Full financial impact on affected institutions.

Timeline

• 2025-09-05: Mururia Boys dormitory blaze reported.

• 2025-09-06–07: Fires hit seven more schools, including Muhoho High and Uchekeini Boys.

• 2025-09-08: County closes all affected schools; investigations ongoing.

What to Watch

• Ministry of Education emergency meeting on KCSE arrangements (date pending).

• Possible police arrests of suspected arsonists.

• County government funding plans for reconstruction and counseling programs.

Related Coverage

• [History of Exam-Period School Fires in Kenya]

• [KCSE 2025: Exam Timetable and Security Measures]

• [Education CS Statement on School Safety Regulations]

Editor’s note: None.

Corrections: None as of 2025-09-08 18:00 EAT.