GILGIL, Nakuru County — At least 16 students died and dozens of others were injured after a fire broke out at a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, late Wednesday night.
Authorities said the blaze erupted shortly before midnight in a dormitory housing more than 100 students at the private boarding school in the Ng’iya area.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, Kenya Red Cross personnel, and county disaster teams, worked through the night to rescue students and contain the fire.
Casualties and Injuries
Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Ndung’u confirmed that 16 students had died, while more than 30 others were receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
“We have confirmed 16 fatalities so far. The bodies have been moved to the Gilgil Sub-County Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations,” Ndung’u told reporters.
He added that critically injured students had been transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.
Parents gathered outside the school overnight as authorities worked to identify victims and account for students.
The school administration later announced counseling support for survivors and affected families.
Investigators Probe Possible Arson
Police and forensic investigators have launched inquiries into the cause of the fire, with authorities indicating that arson has not been ruled out.
A senior officer involved in the investigation, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said preliminary findings suggested the fire may have been deliberately started.
Police confirmed that several students were being questioned as part of the investigation but emphasized that no charges had been filed.
“They are assisting with inquiries as investigations continue,” Ndung’u said.
Authorities have not released the identities or ages of those being questioned.
National Response
President William Ruto expressed condolences to the families affected and directed investigative agencies and the Ministry of Education to conduct a full inquiry into the incident.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of young lives at Utumishi Girls Academy,” the President said in a statement.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the temporary closure of the school and ordered safety inspections in boarding schools across the Rift Valley region.
“We cannot continue to lose children to preventable fires,” Machogu said.
Survivors Recount Escape
Survivors described scenes of panic as students attempted to escape the burning dormitory.
One student receiving treatment at Nakuru Level 5 Hospital said she woke up after hearing screams and saw smoke spreading through the building.
“Some girls managed to jump through windows while others were trapped inside,” she said.
Police have not confirmed reports of an earlier dispute among students that some witnesses claimed occurred before the fire.
Calls for School Safety Reforms
The incident has renewed concerns about fire safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools following several deadly dormitory fires reported over the years.
Residents and religious leaders in Gilgil held prayers and vigils on Thursday as families mourned the victims.
Human rights groups also urged authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that the rights of students involved are protected.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially established.
Investigations are ongoing.