Sixteen students have been confirmed dead following a devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on Thursday morning.
Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Migos Ogamba confirmed the fatalities, adding that 79 students sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day.
“We have 16 fatalities whose identities are yet to be confirmed as the process of accounting for all learners continues,” said Dr. Ogamba.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the school has a student population of 808 learners.
He further stated that 71 students had been treated and discharged, while seven others remained admitted in hospital.
According to a police incident report filed at Gilgil Police Station, the school principal, Joycelene Muraguri, reported the fire at approximately 4:30 a.m.
Police officers led by the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), accompanied by detectives, rushed to the institution located about seven kilometres north of the police station and found one of the dormitory blocks engulfed in flames.
The affected dormitory, identified as the Meline Waithera Block, housed 220 students from Grade 10, Form Three and Form Four classes.
A multi-agency emergency response team was mobilised to contain the blaze.
Firefighters from Naivasha joined the operation alongside personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Water bowsers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Youth Service (NYS) also assisted in the rescue efforts.
Police said the fire was eventually contained, although the extent of the property damage had not been established by Thursday morning.
The injured students were rushed to Gilgil Sub-County Hospital and St Mark’s Hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries of varying severity.
Crime scene investigators processed and documented the scene, while detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Gilgil launched investigations into the cause of the fire, which remained unknown.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga sent her condolences to the parents and families affected by the tragedy.
“It is an unfortunate incident that has claimed the lives of young Kenyans and learners. We stand with the families during this devastating time,” Wanga said.
Leave a comment