118 dormitories burned in Kenya in wave of arson attacks

NAIROBI, Kenya – More than 100 high school dormitories in Kenya have been burned in a wave of arson attacks over the past three months.

Kwale High School along the Indian Ocean coast became the 118th secondary school whose dormitories were burned in the attacks. The Kenya Red Cross on Saturday posted pictures of the fire at Kwale High School Friday night.

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto said earlier this week that despite the fires the government schools will not be closed early. He blamed the fires on unnamed cartels fighting reforms to curb cheating in the schools’ final exams. Officials say the cheating is big business.

Kenya’s Teachers’ Union gave a different explanation, saying the students have burned the schools to protest reforms including the extension of second term.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.