Gilgil: A devastating fire at Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil, about 120km west of Nairobi, has killed at least 16 students and left 74 others injured, police confirmed.
Authorities said the blaze broke out around 01:00 local time while students were asleep in a dormitory housing approximately 220 pupils. Emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, were immediately deployed to the scene.
Police commander Masoud Mwinyi described the incident as ‘sad and distressing,’ adding that search-and-rescue operations were still ongoing as some students were unaccounted for after fleeing the building in panic. Masoud Mwinyi stated that, “We are combing the area because some students fled in shock and fear during the night.”
Students flee as fire spreads through dormitory
Witnesses and relatives said the fire spread rapidly, forcing students to jump from upper floors to escape the flames. Several of the injured are believed to have sustained fractures and other trauma during their escape.
One relative, Wambui Nderitu, said her cousin survived but suffered a broken leg. Families arriving at the school described scenes of confusion and anxiety as authorities worked to account for all students. The school compound has been cordoned off, with access restricted mainly to parents and emergency personnel.
Cause of fire still unknown
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Officials confirmed that a formal inquiry is underway. Kenyan authorities noted that fires in boarding schools are not uncommon, with past incidents often linked to arson, overcrowding in dormitories, and lapses in safety compliance, including blocked exits and locked windows.
History of school fires in Kenya
Kenya has witnessed multiple deadly school fires over the years. One of the worst occurred in 2001 in Machakos County, where 67 students died after a dormitory was set ablaze.
More recent incidents include a 2024 dormitory fire that killed at least 21 people, as well as several other fatal cases in 2017 and 2022. Government records have also documented dozens of Arson cases in schools in recent years.
Authorities say investigations into the Gilgil tragedy are continuing as families await further updates on missing and injured students.
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