Uhuru mourns 17 lives lost in Endarasha Academy fire

Various government officials arrived at the Endarasha Academy where 17 pupils were killed in a dormitory fire. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has offered his condolences to the families affected by the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which claimed the lives of 17 pupils.

Kenyatta described the tragedy as "a pain that cannot be fully described," following the Thursday night inferno whose cause has yet to be determined.

"The loss of young lives, full of potential and hope for the future, is a pain that cannot be fully expressed. My heart goes out to the families who lost their children and the school community deeply affected by this unimaginable tragedy," he said in a statement.

The former president also wished a speedy recovery to the 14 students currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Nyeri County, including Nyeri Provincial General Hospital.

Kenyatta's message comes as government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Education PS Belio Kipsang, pay a visit to the school.

Kipsang has assured that students in schools across the country are safe and that this was a tragic accident.

He added that learners in Grade 6 and Form 4 will still be able to sit for their exams as planned.