Gilgil, Nakuru County • 28 May 2026 • School fire tragedy
Utumishi Girls Academy
This page documents a historical tragedy. It is not a SafeDormitory partner school. Content is based on public reporting and presented with respect for victims and families.
On the night of 28 May 2026, a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy claimed 16 lives and injured dozens more. The school was closed indefinitely as investigations continued into safety compliance, including reports of overcrowding and a locked emergency exit.
16 lives lost
79 reported injured
Why this story matters
- Among the most recent major dormitory fires in Kenya
- Prompted national scrutiny of boarding school safety rules
- Officials cited failures against the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations
- A reminder of why early detection and clear exits must become standard
Timeline
2026-05-29
National response
Government officials confirmed investigations into the cause of the fire and school safety compliance. The tragedy renewed public calls for systemic reform in dormitory safety.