At least 16 students have been confirmed dead following a devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in one of Kenya’s latest school fire tragedies.
Police commanders in Nakuru confirmed the fatalities on Thursday morning as emergency response teams continued rescue and support operations at the school.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, emergency teams were dispatched after the fire broke out at around 1am, although the incident was officially reported at approximately 3.30am.
Initial reports had indicated that at least 15 students were feared dead, but police later confirmed the number had risen to an estimated 16 fatalities.
An unknown number of students who sustained injuries during the incident were rushed to various medical facilities for treatment. Authorities said the injured learners were in stable condition.
Most of the affected students were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for medical assessment and treatment.
In a statement issued Thursday morning, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that emergency personnel remained on the ground supporting the ongoing response operation.
“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the organisation said.
“Our first responders, EMS Kenya ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities,” the statement added.
Emergency response operations were still ongoing by Thursday morning as authorities continued assessing the situation and investigating the cause of the deadly fire.
Emotional scenes were witnessed outside the school after news of the tragedy spread across Gilgil and neighbouring areas.
Dozens of distressed parents flocked to the school gates seeking information about their children as police tightened security around the institution.
Authorities restricted access into the compound, allowing only parents and emergency personnel inside while rescue efforts and investigations continued.
President Ruto mourns lost learners
President William Ruto has since mourned the students who lost their lives in the tragedy, describing the incident as heartbreaking for the nation.
In a statement released Thursday, the President said Kenya stood united in grief with the affected families, teachers and students.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto said.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.”
The Head of State said the government’s immediate priority was rescuing affected students, ensuring treatment for those injured and supporting families impacted by the disaster.
“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire,” he said.
“As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.”
The latest incident has once again renewed concerns over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, especially amid rising cases of school fires and unrest reported in various institutions across the country in recent months.
Authorities are expected to release further details once investigations into the cause of the fire are completed.
