Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has urged Kenyans to avoid spreading unverified information and disturbing images following the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which left 16 students dead and 74 others injured.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 28th May 2026, Mwaura said the government had received news of the incident “with deep shock and profound sadness” after a dormitory caught fire in the early hours of the morning.
“The Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in which several students are feared to have lost their lives while others sustained injuries,” Mwaura said.
He added that emergency response teams comprising officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster units, medical personnel and fire response teams had been deployed to contain the situation and assist affected students.
“The injured students are currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities, while every effort is being made to account for all learners and ensure their safety,” he stated.
Mwaura further called on members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze.
“The government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or disturbing images on social media, as this could cause further trauma to the affected families while authorities continue with rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the fire,” he said.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out at around 3:30am, prompting emergency rescue efforts and deployment of psychosocial support teams.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Education CS Julius Ogamba and DCI boss Mohamed Amin have also arrived at the school as investigations continue, with police restricting access to the scene to facilitate rescue operations and crowd control.
“The Government wishes to assure parents and the country that every available resource is being deployed to manage the situation swiftly and professionally,” Mwaura added.
