Even as developments continued to unfold following the Hillside Endarasha Juniour Secondary School Tragedy, it on Friday emerged that some students were still unaccounted for later in the day at 12:00pm.
Speaking to journalists, County Commissioner Peter Murugu confirmed that some parents, once they were informed of the tragedy rushed to the learning institution to collect their children without informing anyone, leading to confusion.
While expressing his condolences, he said, "Some parents picked their children in the morning and we are tracing them to know their whereabouts."
The situation made it difficult for school administrators who did not have an accurate record to present to arriving parents streaming in through to the afternoon.
As parents streamed in to collect their children they were being asked to visually identify their children who have been housed in a hall.
The missing pupils could not be accounted for among the burnt or injured. Immediately after arriving at the learning institution, Education PS Belio Kipsang ordered parents who had collected their children to return the pupils.
"We are trying to account for every child. We are asking the parents who picked their children and the community to support us as we consolidate the numbers to ensure that we account for every child who was boarding in this school,"
It has also emerged that the dormitory engulfed in the tragedy that claimed the lives of 17 children was wooden, contrary to the norm where dormitories are expected to be constructed by stone. The dormitory housed 152 students.
Murugu stated that he had taken the initiative to visit the survivors admitted to the Provincial General Hospital in Nyeri. He reported that his assessment was "positive".
The government official revealed that President William Ruto, who is currently in China had spoken to him directly to offer his extensive support to the team.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross has set up a tracing desk to make it easier for parents to be able to locate their children. The desk will also help other relevant stakeholders get access to any potential help they might need. Police teams are also streaming into the scene to aid in investigations.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is also at the scene to condole with parents.
