A devastating fire broke out at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya, in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving at least 16 students dead and dozens others injured in one of the country’s worst recent school tragedies.
The blaze erupted shortly after midnight in a second-floor dormitory where about 220 girls aged between 15 and 18 were sleeping. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly through the building, trapping many students inside as panic set in.
Students trapped as fire spreads
According to emergency responders and initial reports, some of the dormitory exits were difficult to access during the fire, forcing desperate students to escape through windows. Several sustained serious injuries after jumping to safety, while others were caught in the flames as the fire engulfed the sleeping area.
Authorities later confirmed that the fire burned for over two hours before it was fully contained by emergency teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, police officers, and county fire services.
Rising death toll and injuries
By Thursday morning, officials confirmed at least 16 fatalities, while more than 70 students were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Many of the injured have since been stabilized or discharged, though several remain under medical care.
Parents and guardians gathered at the school in distress, trying to locate their children as rescue operations continued into the day.
Possible cause under investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a probe into the incident, including the possibility of arson and safety lapses within the school infrastructure.
Early witness accounts suggest the fire may have started in a dormitory section before spreading quickly through the building. Authorities have cautioned against speculation as investigations continue.
National reaction and mourning
The tragedy has sparked national grief across Kenya. President William Ruto and other senior government officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as heartbreaking and promising full government support for rescue, medical care, and investigations.
Psychological support teams have also been deployed to assist survivors and grieving families.
A recurring concern in Kenyan schools
This incident adds to a troubling history of school dormitory fires in Kenya, which have repeatedly raised concerns about student safety, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure standards in boarding schools.
As investigations continue, families, students, and the wider public are left searching for answers—and calling for stronger safety measures to prevent another tragedy of this scale.
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