Fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Kills 16 Students, Dozens Injured

A fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, killed 16 students and injured dozens more after flames swept through a dormitory early on Thursday morning.

The fire broke out in the Meline Waithera Block dormitory, which housed more than 200 students. Survivors said many learners escaped by jumping from upper floors as the blaze spread through the building.

Authorities said 74 students were taken to hospital with injuries, trauma, and shock. By midday, 71 had been discharged, while several others remained under medical care. The dormitory has been sealed off as investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations examine the cause of the fire.

Parents and survivors raised concerns about possible safety failures at the school. One parent alleged that an emergency exit was locked during the incident, preventing students from escaping. She said students on the upper floor were forced to jump to the ground, causing serious injuries.

Concerns were also raised about staffing levels, with claims that only one matron was present at the time. Senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and DCI Director Mohammed Amin, visited the school to oversee rescue operations and investigations.

Ogamba confirmed the deaths and said students would be released to their parents after roll calls were completed. He urged families to use the government hotline 1199 to report missing students or provide information. He also asked the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

President William Ruto described the incident as an unimaginable tragedy and said the government would support affected families. In a statement, he said the country was mourning the loss of young lives with promise and ambition.

The Kenya Red Cross deployed ambulances, emergency teams, and psychosocial support staff to assist survivors and families. Police officers continued searching nearby areas for students who may have left the school during the confusion.