By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 28, 2026 - An unknown number of students are feared dead after a fire gutted a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, early Thursday morning.
The fire, which reportedly broke out during the night while students were asleep, triggered a major emergency response involving firefighters, police officers, Kenya Red Cross teams and medical personnel.
Kenya Red Cross said the incident was reported at around 3.30am, with emergency teams immediately dispatched to the school.
“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 in a statement.
The humanitarian agency added that ambulance crews and psychosocial support teams were on site assisting affected students and coordinating with other responders.
“Our first responders, E-Plus ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities,” Kenya Red Cross stated.
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Police officers and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched investigations as authorities carried out a headcount to determine the number of students who were inside the dormitory at the time of the fire.
Regional Commander Masoud Mwinyi said officers were still inspecting the affected areas before giving a full report.
“Our officers are inside inspecting every section so that we can give accurate information once the situation is fully contained. Your pain is our pain, and this is a very sad incident,” he said.
Several injured students were taken to St Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for treatment.
Parents gathered outside the school as rescue operations and investigations continued Thursday morning.
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