By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 28, 2026 - The government has shifted its focus to supporting survivors and families affected by the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Thursday visited injured students admitted at St Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Gilgil following the overnight blaze that left several learners dead and dozens injured.
The two leaders spent time with students receiving treatment and assured families that the government would provide counselling and other support services as schools across the country mourned the tragedy.
“We stand in solemn solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in last night's tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, and the entire school community,” Murkomen said.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight in one of the school dormitories, triggering emergency rescue operations involving firefighters, police officers, medics and Kenya Red Cross teams.
Authorities said more than 70 students were rushed to different hospitals with injuries sustained during the incident.
Murkomen said the injured learners would continue receiving emotional and psychological support as they recover from the trauma.
“Today, we visited the injured students at St Joseph's Mission Hospital in Gilgil, offering them our comfort, prayers, and wishes for a swift and full recovery,” he said.
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“We also offered words of encouragement, assuring them of our support, including counselling, which they need to come to terms with the tragedy.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over student safety in boarding schools, with leaders across the country calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety measures in learning institutions.
Murkomen said investigators and forensic teams were already working to establish what caused the fire.
“As investigators work to establish the cause of the fire, we ask the public to remain calm and join us in praying for the affected,” he said.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that if anyone was responsible for this fire, they are brought to justice.”
Emergency response teams remained at the school on Thursday as authorities continued assessments and support operations.
The government has also activated the 1199 hotline to help parents seeking information about affected students and to provide counselling services to families and survivors.
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