Tragedy in Nakuru as Dormitory Fire Kills 10 Utumishi Girls Academy Students

Fresh details have emerged following the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, with police now confirming that several students fled outside the school compound in panic during the chaotic overnight incident.

The latest development has intensified anxiety among parents as authorities continue efforts to account for every learner following the tragic blaze that struck the school in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to police, fear and confusion triggered by the fire caused some students to run into surrounding areas after escaping from the burning dormitory.

Speaking at the institution, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mousad Mwinyi said security officers had launched a large-scale search operation around the school and neighbouring areas.

“As we speak now, we are combing the area. Out of fear and anxiety, many students moved out, and this happened at night. Our team of nearly fifty officers is searching the surrounding areas to establish who may still be out there,” Mwinyi stated.

Authorities say efforts are underway to trace all students who may have fled and safely return them to the institution as school officials continue conducting roll calls to establish whether any learners remain unaccounted for.

The fire, which reportedly broke out at around 3.30am, sparked widespread panic within the school compound, forcing emergency responders into a frantic overnight rescue operation.

Kenya Red Cross Society teams remain deployed at the school alongside firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel assisting in rescue efforts and supporting affected students.

Despite widespread reports circulating online, authorities have so far declined to officially confirm casualty figures, urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations and student tracing operations continue.

The uncertainty has left parents in anguish, with many streaming to the school since dawn seeking information about the safety and whereabouts of their children.

Officials at the institution have since organised parents into designated waiting areas according to students’ classes and streams to assist in the identification and verification process.

The incident has once again cast a spotlight on safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, particularly emergency preparedness and the handling of disasters occurring during night hours when students are asleep.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa Mourns Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Victims

Former Defence Cabinet Secretary and DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa has joined Kenyans in mourning the tragic loss of young lives following the devastating fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

In a statement, Wamalwa said he had received the heartbreaking news with profound sadness, describing the death of the students as a national tragedy that has deeply touched the hearts of Kenyans.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, students, teachers, staff and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community, saying the country stands with them during this painful moment.

Wamalwa also wished quick recovery to the injured students and prayed for strength, comfort and peace for all those affected by the tragedy.

“As a nation, may we stand together in unity, compassion and solidarity during this period of mourning,” he said.

He further prayed that God grants eternal rest to the departed souls and comforts all grieving families.

At least 10 students have been confirmed dead following a devastating overnight fire that gutted a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in a tragedy that has shocked the country.

According to Samuel Ndanyi, the deadly blaze broke out at around 1am on Thursday while students were asleep inside the dormitory, triggering panic and confusion within the school compound.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams, were immediately deployed to the scene as frantic efforts began to contain the inferno and evacuate trapped students.

Ndanyi confirmed on Thursday morning that at least 10 learners had lost their lives, even as rescue operations continued amid fears that the death toll could rise.

Several other students sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Authorities say the fire spread rapidly through the dormitory, leaving little time for some students to escape. Rescue personnel continued combing through the charred structure hours after the blaze was contained in an effort to account for all affected students.

The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, particularly the state of emergency exits, dormitory congestion, and disaster preparedness during night-time emergencies.

Police have since launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire, with forensic teams expected to examine the remains of the building as part of the inquiry.

The incident is likely to reignite painful memories of previous deadly school fires that have claimed the lives of students across the country over the years, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in learning institutions.

Parents and relatives gathered at the school on Thursday morning as officials worked to identify victims and provide updates on survivors receiving treatment in hospital.

The government is yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the tragedy as investigations and rescue efforts continue.