REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
OFFICE OF THE CABINET SECRETARY
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Friday, 29th May, 2026
UPDATE ON THE FIRE TRAGEDY AT UTUMISHI GIRLS ACADEMY
As indicated yesterday, there was a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County.
At the time of the incident, a total of eight hundred and eight (808) learners were within the school premises. By last evening, all the learners had been accounted for.
Most unfortunately, sixteen (16) learners lost their lives in the incident. The bodies of the departed souls have been transferred to the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification. Parents and guardians have been directed to the facility for the DNA testing.
Seventy-nine (79) learners suffered injuries of varied degrees. Seven (7) of the injured learners are still in hospital undergoing treatment while the rest have been treated and discharged.
Preliminary investigations have established the following:
- The tragic fire was an act of arson. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight (8) learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation. 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.
- The school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.
- Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners. However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand.
Consequently, and in view of the foregoing findings, we have taken the following actions:
- The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
- The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. The teachers who failed to take action despite having been informed of the planned unrest will also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
- Investigations are ongoing to establish other aspects of negligence on the part of officers from the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission. Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against officers found to have been negligent in their duties.
We shall provide further information in due course as investigations progress.
Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS
CABINET SECRETARY
