Shock and grief have engulfed the country after a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy claimed the lives of several students and left many others injured.
According to reports, the fire broke out on Wednesday night while students were asleep inside the dormitory, causing panic as flames spread rapidly through the building.
Witnesses said some learners struggled to escape after the fire intensified within minutes, with reports indicating that a number of students were unable to access exits in time.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel, rushed to the school in an effort to contain the blaze and rescue trapped students.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 10 students lost their lives in the heartbreaking incident, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injured students were rushed to hospitals in Gilgil and nearby towns, where medical teams worked overnight to stabilize those in critical condition.
Investigators have since launched inquiries to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine whether all required safety measures had been properly implemented within the school.
Government officials have urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
The tragedy has once again reignited concerns over student safety in boarding schools across Kenya, especially regarding emergency preparedness in dormitories.
Education authorities have repeatedly directed schools to ensure dormitories are equipped with multiple exit doors, spacious windows without grills, and proper fire safety systems to allow quick evacuation during emergencies.
In recent years, school fires have continued to raise alarm nationwide, with some incidents previously linked to overcrowding, poor electrical wiring, drug abuse, and student unrest.
As families, students, and teachers mourn the lives lost, Kenyans across the country have continued sending messages of condolence and prayers to the affected families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community.
