Residents of Njoro Sub-County are reeling from the death of an eighteen-year-old secondary school student, as her family accuses the school administration of failing to act swiftly when she first showed signs of illness.
Brenda Akinyi, a Form Four candidate at Njoro Girls Senior School, died while receiving treatment at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Her mother stated that the teenager had been sick for several days at school without receiving immediate medical intervention.
Family members say she spent nearly three days confined to the dormitory as her health steadily declined. Her brother, Allan Otieno, who worked within the school, alerted their mother after learning from students that Akinyi was in a serious state.
Upon arrival, Anyango found her daughter frail, disoriented, and unable to communicate properly. She was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the referral facility, where tests revealed a severe blood infection. Although doctors attempted to treat her, she did not survive.
The grieving mother believes the delay in care worsened her daughter’s condition and claims the tragedy could have been avoided. Describing Akinyi as hardworking and determined, the family noted she had been preparing for her final examinations and had no major health concerns beforehand. The case has stirred anger within the community, leading to increased police presence as investigations continue. Education officials say she had previously received attention from the school nurse, and a report has been submitted to the ministry. Her remains are still awaiting postmortem procedures.
