A devastating fire swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Kenya, early Thursday morning, killing at least 17 students and injuring dozens more, authorities said.
Details of the Tragedy
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. local time in a dormitory housing about 150 students. Emergency services arrived to find the building engulfed in flames. Survivors described hearing screams and scrambling to escape through windows and doors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in Gilgil and Nakuru.
Kenya's Interior Ministry confirmed the death toll, warning it could rise as some students remain unaccounted for. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials not ruling out an electrical fault or arson.
Response from Authorities
President William Ruto expressed condolences, calling the incident a "national tragedy." He ordered a full inquiry and promised support for the affected families. Education Minister Julius Ogamba visited the scene, saying the government would review safety standards in all schools.
Local police have launched a criminal investigation. The school, a public boarding institution, has been closed indefinitely. Parents rushed to the school, some finding their children alive, others mourning.
School fires are not uncommon in Kenya, often due to overcrowded dormitories and poor electrical wiring. In 2022, a fire at a school in Nairobi killed 10 students. Activists have long called for stricter safety regulations.
This tragedy has reignited debate about student safety in boarding schools. The government has promised to implement new measures, including fire drills and inspections. Meanwhile, the community in Gilgil is in mourning, with vigils planned for the weekend.
