A tragic fire at a boarding school in Gilgil, Kenya, has claimed the lives of 16 students, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The blaze broke out in the early hours at Utumishi Girls Academy, located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
Details of the Incident
The fire is believed to have started on the first floor of one of the dormitories, which was completely destroyed in the inferno. Education Minister Julius Ogamba reported that 71 injured students were discharged from hospitals, while seven remain admitted for further treatment. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are ongoing.
Police Commander Masoud Mwinyi described the situation as "a sad and distressing situation." He added that some students fled in shock and fear during the night, and officers are combing the area to trace them.
Response and Condolences
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the scene and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He urged Kenyans to stand together with the families in prayer and support, and to avoid speculation. The school will begin releasing students to their parents and guardians throughout the day as investigations continue.
Anxious parents and relatives gathered at the school, waiting for news of their loved ones. The fire broke out around 01:00 local time and engulfed a dormitory block housing about 220 students. More than 800 children were in the school at the time of the tragedy.
Background on School Fires in Kenya
Fires are not uncommon in Kenyan boarding schools, with several deadly incidents reported in recent years. Many have been attributed to arson by disgruntled pupils angry about discipline and living conditions, while others were accidental. Overcrowding in dormitories and failure to follow safety guidelines, such as keeping exits clear and windows unlocked, have frequently been blamed for high casualty numbers.
