At least 17 school children have tragically died following a fire that broke out on Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in central Kenya, police confirm.

Authorities fear the death toll may rise as over a dozen other students with severe burns have been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with a team of experts already deployed to the scene, according to police spokesperson Resila Onyango.

The Kenya Red Cross is providing psychosocial support to affected students, teachers, and families, and has set up a tracing desk to assist with the crisis.

School fires have been a recurring issue in Kenya, with past incidents resulting in devastating loss of life.