Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 15 Students at Kenyan Girls’ School

Post by : Raina Nasser

A devastating fire has claimed the lives of at least 15 students at a girls' school dormitory in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, as confirmed by police authorities.

The tragic incident occurred at the Utumishi Girls' Academy Senior School in Gilgil town, Nakuru County. While police have reported multiple injuries, the specific number of affected students remains unclarified.

Officials are yet to determine the cause of the fire, and investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Footage from the scene reveals shattered window panes, smoke-smeared walls, and significant damage to the dormitory after the fire was contained.

Police commander Masoud Mwinyi informed the press that around 50 officers have been stationed around the school and its vicinity to locate students who may have escaped amidst the chaos.

Witnesses reported that many students fled the dormitory in sheer panic as the flames engulfed the building during the night.

Kenya has experienced various deadly fires in schools over the years. Government statistics indicate that over 60 cases of arson in public secondary schools were recorded in 2018 alone. Many of these incidents have been attributed to student protests against strict disciplinary measures and inadequate living conditions.

Another haunting occurrence in 2024 saw a fire in a Nyeri County boarding school take the lives of 21 students, with officials still investigating the cause.

This latest disaster raises fresh alarms regarding the safety and emergency preparedness protocols within boarding schools throughout Kenya.