At least 17 pupils have died after a school in central Kenya caught fire

The tragic event which took place on Thursday night was confirmed by police, saying there were fears the death toll could rise as more than a dozen others had been taken to hospitals with severe burns.

Police spokesperson Resila Onyango told newsmen that recovered bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

The Kenya Red Cross said it was providing psychosocial support services to the pupils, teachers and affected families, and had set up a tracing desk at the school.

President William Ruto called the fire horrific and devastating, and ordered an investigation.

The cause of the fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri county is not yet known.