Police have confirmed that 16 students lost their lives in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, 79 students sustained injuries, with seven requiring hospital admission for ongoing treatment.
The Kenya Red Cross reported that emergency teams responded after the fire erupted at the institution, initially fearing the loss of at least 15 students.
Authorities later confirmed the death toll stands at approximately 16, with injured students transported to different healthcare facilities for treatment of their varying injuries, all reported to be in stable condition.
According to Kenya Red Cross information, the fire began around 1 am and was officially reported at approximately 3:30 am on Thursday.
The Kenya Red Cross issued a statement reading: ‘In response to a fire incident reported at approximately 3:30 am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, we have deployed to support the ongoing emergency response.’
The statement continued: ‘Our first responders, EMS_Kenya ambulance crew, and psychosocial support staff are present on site, assisting affected students in collaboration with other responders and appropriate authorities.’
Emergency response efforts persist as teams continue evaluating the situation and providing support to affected students. Authorities have withheld additional details pending ongoing investigations into the fire’s cause.
Large numbers of parents converged at the school entrance as information of the tragedy spread throughout Gilgil and surrounding regions, with police limiting access to the facility and permitting only parents entry during continuing rescue and investigation operations.
Wounded students were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for evaluation and medical care.
President William Ruto expressed sorrow for the students who died, stating that the entire nation shares in the bereaved families’ grief.
‘Our hearts and prayers go out to the families who have lost their cherished daughters in the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,’ he stated.
‘No words can adequately alleviate the pain of losing young lives brimming with promise, hope, and aspirations for the future.’
Ruto indicated that the government’s immediate priorities include rescue operations, treatment of those injured, and assistance for affected families while investigations proceed.