Malta’s Kenyan Community Mourns 16 Schoolgirls Lost in Kenya Fire

Malta’s Kenyan Community in Mourning: 16 Schoolgirls Lost in Tragic Fire

In the heart of Msida, Malta’s Kenyan community is in mourning. News of the tragic fire at Kakamega’s Solai Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 schoolgirls, has reached our shores, leaving our local Kenyan community reeling.

From Msida to Kakamega: A Shared Grief

Malta’s Kenyan community, primarily based in Msida and other urban areas, is tightly knit. Many have left family behind in Kenya, making the news of this devastating fire personal. The girls, aged between 14 and 19, were victims of a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Thursday, 2nd March.

In the quiet streets of Msida, where the Kenyan community often gathers, a somber atmosphere prevails. “It’s like a part of us is missing,” says Jane, a Kenyan national who has called Malta home for the past decade. “We’re here, but our hearts are back there with our people.”

Malta’s Response: Solidarity and Support

Malta’s government and local communities have extended their condolences and support. The Maltese Embassy in Kenya has been in touch with local authorities, offering assistance. Locally, fundraising efforts are underway to support the affected families.

“We’re grateful for the support,” says Joseph, another Kenyan resident. “It shows that even though we’re far from home, we’re not alone.”

The Kenyan High Commission in London has confirmed that the Maltese government has offered to assist in repatriating the bodies of the victims. This gesture has been warmly welcomed by the local Kenyan community.

In Msida, a candlelight vigil is planned for this weekend, a symbol of unity and solidarity. “We light these candles not just for the girls we lost, but for the future we all want for our children,” says Jane.