Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy: Cause, number of students affected, and action taken
By Dan Kauna, May 28, 2026Following the devastating early morning dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, official data from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirms that out of a total student population of 815, 808 students were present during the incident. 7 were at home.
The tragedy resulted in 16 student fatalities whose identities are currently unknown pending forensic profiling, alongside 79 injuries.
Among those rushed to medical facilities, 71 students have been discharged, 7 remain admitted, and 1 was taken home by their parents.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established and remains under active investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and forensic experts, swift actions taken included a multi-agency firefighting effort by the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and local emergency services to contain the blaze.
The high-level state deployment is led by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to oversee operations and the immediate setup of psychosocial and counselling support for the traumatised students and grieving families.