Teachers Warned of Planned Unrest Before Deadly Utumishi School Fire, Preliminary Report Finds

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, May 29, 2026 - Two teachers at Utumishi Girls Academy were reportedly warned about a planned student unrest before the dormitory fire that killed 16 learners, but failed to act, according to preliminary findings released by the Ministry of Education.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said investigations into the tragedy have revealed that a section of Form Three students had shared information about the planned disturbance before the fire broke out.

“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners,” Ogamba said.

“However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand.”

The findings have shifted attention to possible warning signs that may have been missed before the blaze swept through a dormitory at the Gilgil-based school, leaving 16 students dead and 79 others injured.

According to the ministry, preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was deliberately started.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation,” Ogamba said.

“The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act. Those found culpable will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code and other relevant laws.”

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The report also points to serious safety failures at the school. Investigators found that the affected dormitory was overcrowded and that one of the exit doors had been locked, contrary to requirements under the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.

“In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements,” Ogamba said.

As a result, the Ministry has dissolved the school's Board of Management and announced disciplinary action against the principal and any other officers found to have been negligent.

“Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against officers found to have been negligent in their duties,” the CS said.

The Ministry has since accounted for all 808 learners who were in the school at the time of the incident. Seven injured students remain in hospital receiving treatment, while the others have been discharged.

The bodies of the deceased students have been moved to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary, where DNA identification is underway.

Investigations by the DCI, Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission are continuing as authorities seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding one of the country's deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.