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Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy: 16 students confirmed dead
28th May, 2026 11:15 AM
16 students have lost their lives following an early morning dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirms, as the country reels from one of the deadliest school disasters in recent memory.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, May 29, 2026, CS Ogamba says the identities of the 16 deceased students have not yet been established, and that the government is working urgently to notify families once confirmation is complete.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours, a time when most students were asleep in their dormitories.
The CS confirms that the school had a total population of 815 students. At the time the fire broke out, 808 were present on the school compound, with the remaining seven away from school.
Majority of injured students discharged
Of the 808 students who were on the school grounds, 79 sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
CS Ogamba says 71 of those students have since been discharged and are out of hospital. Seven remain admitted and are continuing to receive care, while one student was taken home by a parent following treatment.
The CS did not give details on the condition of those still admitted, but the government says it is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with hospital authorities.
Government response
Ogamba appealed for calm and assured the public that investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, discouraging arson speculations.
He also offered condolences to the families of the students who have died and said the government will continue to update Kenyans as more information becomes available.
The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with leaders and members of the public expressing shock on social media.
Utumishi Girls’ Academy is a national girls’ school, drawing students from across Kenya.
