By KPC Reporter
The nation is reeling after a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, claimed the lives of sixteen students and left dozens injured.
The Ministry of Education confirmed the tragedy in a press statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, describing the incident as “a heartbreaking act of arson” that has shaken the school community and the country at large.
At the time of the fire, 808 learners were present within the school premises. By Thursday evening, all had been accounted for. Sadly, sixteen bodies were recovered from the charred remains of the dormitory and transferred to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification. Parents and guardians have been directed to the facility to assist in the identification process.
The Ministry reported that 79 learners sustained injuries, with seven still hospitalized as of Friday. The rest have since been treated and discharged. “We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations have pointed to arson as the cause of the fire. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the probe, with eight students currently in custody as persons of interest. Authorities are working to establish their individual roles in what officials have described as “the planning and execution of this heinous act.”
“The tragic fire was an act of arson,” the Cabinet Secretary for Education emphasized, adding that “those found culpable will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code and other relevant laws.”
The Ministry also highlighted the scale of the emergency response, which involved multiple agencies including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Red Cross Society, and medical teams. Their coordinated efforts ensured that survivors were rescued and treated promptly.
The government has assured parents, guardians, and the public that investigations will be thorough and impartial. “We appeal for calm, patience, and restraint as investigations continue,” the statement urged, noting the sensitivity of the matter and the need for justice to bring closure to grieving families.
As the country mourns, questions remain about safety compliance at the school and accountability for the tragedy. The Ministry has pledged to provide further updates as investigations progress, while disciplinary action against negligent officials is already underway.
This incident has reignited debate over student safety in boarding schools, with calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.