News
Chilling footage uncovers how Utumishi Girls Academy students began arson attack
The footage reportedly shows the two students lighting a match before walking towards the dormitory entrance.
Utumishi Girls Academy
News
NCIC flags ethnic hate posts after Utumishi Girls fire tragedy
In a statement released on Friday, NCIC condemned the remarks and described them as unacceptable and unlawful, especially at a time when families are still coming to terms with the loss of their children.
News
Murkomen hits out at leaders politicising Utumishi fire tragedy as probe continues
The Interior CS said it was wrong for leaders to assign blame while probes into the fire that claimed 16 students are still ongoing, warning that such remarks risk interfering with investigations and misleading...
News
Two teachers knew of planned unrest before Utumishi Girls fire - CS Ogamba
Addressing the media on Friday, the CS said early findings show that the warning was communicated in advance but no effective response was taken by the school staff before the tragedy occurred.
News
“We had to jump”: Utumishi student narrates deadly dormitory fire ordeal in Gilgil
She described how the situation turned even more dangerous as students faced limited escape options, leading to desperate jumps from upper floors in an effort to survive.
Infographics
History of school tragedies
The latest tragedy struck on May 28, 2026, at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students died in a dormitory blaze.
Education and Career
Elimu Working Group demands urgent school safety overhaul after Gilgil fire kills 16 learners
The organisation stressed that schools are expected to provide safe learning spaces where children can grow and develop without fear, noting that parents rely on education authorities and school administrations...
News
DCP demands Murkomen's resignation, Ogamba's censure over Utumishi Girls fire tragedy
Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, DCP Secretary General John Methu criticised government response mechanisms, arguing that repeated school disasters reflect systemic failure in emergency...
News
Utumishi Girls fire: Parents urged to use hotline '1199' as 16 students die in Gilgil tragedy
According to the school management, Utumishi Girls’ Academy has a total population of 815 girls. Out of these, 808 were present at the institution at the time of the tragedy, while seven were away for different...
News
Utumishi Girls fire: Government urges calm, warns against sharing disturbing images
Mwaura confirmed that students who were injured had already been taken to nearby health facilities for treatment, while efforts were still underway to establish the whereabouts and safety of all learners affect...
News
Ruto leads nation in mourning after tragic Utumishi Girls Academy fire
President William Ruto and other leaders mourn after a fire broke out in a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. Police, firefighters and Kenya Red Cross teams continue rescue as authorities investigat...
News
“Some parents have fainted” as Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire tragedy unfolds
Parents who arrived at the school were met with distressing scenes as efforts to account for all learners continued. One guardian described how students struggled to escape the burning dormitory and how familie...