Njoro Boys High School closed after dormitory doused with petrol

A teacher on duty at the school discovered a dormitory where some 70 students were sleeping doused with petrol. [File, Standard]

Njoro Boys High School in Nakuru County has been closed indefinitely.

Ministry of Education official in Nakuru County made the decision today afternoon after a teacher on duty discovered a dormitory where some 70 students were sleeping doused with petrol.

The closure comes three days after a dormitory was set on fire destroying property of unknown value.

All students were sent home after a consultative meeting between the school management, local security team and education officials at Njoro sub-county.

Rift Valley Education director Mary Gaturu said investigations have been launched to establish who was behind the arson attack that occurred on Thursday last week and also to find out who doused the dormitory with petrol.

"All students have been directed to go home until further notice as we conduct investigations to avert cases of arson," said Dr Gaturu.

On Saturday night, suspected arsonists believed to be students, doused a dormitory where students were sleeping with petrol.

Investigators from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Njoro in collaboration with the police went to the school yesterday morning to investigate the matter.

Njoro sub county police commander Mohamed Huke said education stakeholders tried to contain rowdy learners at the school.

"We swiftly moved to the school after petrol was spilled in one of the dormitory. To avoid arson, we decided to close it," said Mr Huke.

Among issues raised by learners was strict rules set by the school which they claim they cannot fully abide by.

They also complained of more learning hours set by top management.

"Learners demanded transfer of top administration and also want learning hours away from normal lessons removed," said Huke. 

Huke said the cause of the Thursday night fire has not been established but said evidence so far gathered point at students.