Burnt section of a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy after a fire
tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28, 2026. /HANDOUT
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has joined other leaders in mourning the 16 students who died following a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county.
In a statement on Thursday, Kindiki described the tragedy as heartbreaking, saying the country had lost young girls full of hope and dreams for the future.
“To lose young girls, full of hope and dreams for the future, in such a cruel and painful way is stark reminder of how fleeting life on earth is,” the Deputy President said.
“Condolences to the bereaved families, quick recovery to the injured. The Government stands with all those affected and is committed to support the school community to come to terms with this tragedy.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also mourned the students, saying the tragedy was difficult to comprehend for families, teachers and learners affected by the fire.
“When tragedies like the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy happen sometimes words just fail you. I cannot imagine the pain the parents, teachers and students are feeling,” Sifuna said.
“I know there is nothing that can be said to make you feel different but please accept my sincere condolences. Poleni sana.”
The fire broke out at around 12.45am in one of the dormitories at the school, according to Education CS Julius Ogamba.
Authorities said 16 students were confirmed dead while dozens of others sustained injuries during the incident.
More than 70 students were taken to hospital for treatment, with several later discharged after receiving medical attention.
Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, police officers and medical personnel, were deployed to the school as rescue and evacuation operations continued through the morning.
Parents streamed to the school seeking information about their children as authorities moved to account for all students following the tragedy.
The government also established the 1199 hotline to assist parents seeking information and counselling support.
Kindiki’s message came as leaders across the political divide continued to send condolences to families, students and teachers affected by the tragedy.
President William Ruto earlier described the incident as a painful national tragedy, saying the country stood united with families mourning the loss of the students.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also conveyed his condolences, while several other leaders called for stronger fire safety measures in schools following the incident.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris said the tragedy had once again highlighted concerns around fire safety, emergency preparedness and dormitory standards in learning institutions.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo also mourned the students, saying the country must invest more in school safety infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
The cause of the fire had not been established by Thursday afternoon, with investigations ongoing.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government had dispatched officials from the Ministry of Education and emergency response agencies to support affected students, teachers and families as investigations into the cause of the fire continued.
He urged schools across the country to strictly adhere to safety guidelines in boarding facilities to prevent similar incidents.
The incident adds to a series of deadly school fires reported in Kenya over the years, that claimed several lives and renewed scrutiny over safety standards in boarding schools.
