DNK International By Our Reporter,Mandera
A major fire incident struck Wayam Secondary School in Banisa, Mandera County.
The fire destroyed a dormitory and left 150 form four students without shelter, police have confirmed.
According to a report recorded at Banisa Police Station, the fire broke out on January 17, 2026, at about 6.00pm while students were attending prayers at the school mosque.
The blaze was first spotted by the teacher on duty and the school watchman, who noticed flames engulfing Lake Baringo Dormitory.
School principal swiftly mobilised teachers, students and casual workers, who fought the fire using soil and water, managing to put it out at around 8.00pm.
The affected dormitory, which has a capacity of 80 beds, was hosting 150 form four students due to an acute shortage of boarding facilities.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire is suspected to have been caused by sparks from welding rods, after a welder had earlier been repairing windows in the dormitory.
The sparks are believed to have fallen onto mattresses, igniting the inferno.
No injuries were reported, as students were away from the dormitory at the time of the incident.
However, the fire caused extensive damage, destroying 150 beds, 150 mattresses, 150 metallic student boxes and assorted personal belongings, as well as the dormitory’s electrical wiring system, floor, walls and roof.
The scene was visited by officers from the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Office, the OCS Banisa, the Sub-County Director of Education, and the Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer.
An inquiry file numbered has been opened, with investigations into the incident ongoing.
[DNK-International@January 20,2026]
