A school bus belonging to a secondary school from Narok County was reduced to ashes after it was allegedly set on fire by unknown assailants while parked at Machongo Primary School in Kisii on Monday night.
The shocking incident has raised fresh concerns over the growing cases of unrest and destruction of school property being witnessed across the country in recent weeks.
According to preliminary reports, the bus had been parked within the grounds of Machongo Primary School after developing mechanical problems while on a journey. School officials had reportedly arranged for repairs to be carried out before the vehicle could continue with its trip.
However, under mysterious circumstances, the bus burst into flames during the night, with witnesses reporting seeing thick smoke and huge flames engulfing the vehicle. By the time residents and security officers responded to the scene, the fire had already consumed most parts of the bus, leaving behind a twisted metal shell.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been deliberately started, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact cause and identify those responsible.
The incident comes at a time when the country is grappling with an alarming rise in school unrest. Several learning institutions have been forced to suspend classes or send students home after protests, strikes and acts of vandalism erupted in different parts of Kenya.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern that the trend is beginning to mirror previous periods of widespread school disturbances that resulted in destruction of dormitories, classrooms and other valuable school property.
Local leaders condemned the destruction of the Narok school bus, describing it as a senseless act that will have far-reaching consequences for students and the institution involved. They urged law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The destruction of educational resources hurts learners the most. A school bus is not just a vehicle; it is an important asset that serves students and teachers,” one local official said.
Residents living near Machongo Primary School also expressed shock over the incident, noting that the vehicle had been parked safely within the school compound and posed no threat to anyone.
Police officers visited the scene and have launched investigations, including examining possible links between the fire and the ongoing wave of unrest affecting schools across the country.
As investigations continue, education officials are urging students, parents and members of the public to safeguard school property and reject acts of vandalism that disrupt learning and place additional financial burdens on already stretched institutions. The destruction of the bus serves as yet another reminder of the costly consequences of unrest and criminal acts targeting schools in Kenya.
