Sixteen students have been confirmed dead following a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, after flames gutted one of the dormitories early Thursday morning.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire was reported at around 3:30am on May 29, 2026, prompting an emergency response involving first responders, ambulance crews, and psychosocial support teams.
“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the humanitarian organisation said in a statement posted on its X account.
The organisation added that, “Our first responders, EMS Kenya ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities.”
Witnesses reported scenes of panic at the school as rescue efforts continued in the affected dormitory. Some parents have since arrived at the institution in distress after news of the fire spread.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties or the cause of the fire as investigations continue.
Deputy Inspector General of police Eliud Lagat currently on the scene.
More updates to follow…
