Government probes Thika children’s home fire

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The Government has launched investigations into the cause of a fire that tore through a dormitory at Thika Children’s Rescue Centre on Tuesday night, displacing 63 boys and destroying the space many of them had called home for years.

Officials from the State Department for Children Services confirmed that the blaze razed one dormitory but, in what many described as a miracle, no lives were lost.

“We wish to confirm that there were no casualties recorded during the incident. All children and staff were safely evacuated,” said Principal Secretary for Children Services Ms Carren Ageng’o.

“Immediate measures were taken to secure their safety and wellbeing.”

For the boys housed at the centre — some abandoned, others rescued from neglect and hardship — the dormitory was more than just a structure of brick and iron sheets.

It was the place they slept, shared stories, kept their few treasured belongings and slowly rebuilt trust in the world around them.

By morning, charred walls and the smell of smoke were all that remained.

Several children watched helplessly as bedding, school uniforms and personal items were consumed by flames.

Yet amid the loss, there was relief: all 63 boys were accounted for.

“Arrangements are ongoing to provide the affected children with alternative safe accommodation and essential supplies to ensure continuity of care, including schooling and psychosocial support,” Ms Ageng’o said.

The Principal Secretary, accompanied by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and a government security team, visited the centre Wednesday to assess the damage and coordinate emergency interventions.

Authorities praised the swift response by the Kenya Army Barracks in Thika and the County Government of Kiambu, whose rapid action helped contain the fire before it could spread to other buildings.

“We commend the swift response … whose support was instrumental in containing the fire and preventing further damage,” the ministry said.

As investigators work to establish what sparked the blaze, attention has shifted to restoring stability for the boys — ensuring they return to class, receive counselling, and sleep safely despite the shock of the night.

“The Government remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare, safety and rights of all children under institutional care,” Ms Ageng’o affirmed.