16 Students Killed, 79 Injured in Kenya Girls’ School Dormitory Fire

At least 16 students were killed and 79 others injured after a dormitory fire broke out at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya on Thursday, in one of the latest tragedies to hit the country’s education system, officials said.

Kenya’s Education Minister Julius Ogamba confirmed the casualties, saying the injured students were receiving treatment in multiple hospitals. The school, located in the Gilgil area of Nakuru County , about 120 km from Nairobi , has more than 800 students and is managed by the Kenya Police Service , with many pupils being children of police officers.

Authorities said the cause of the fire remains unknown , and a full investigation has been launched. Officials are also examining whether the school’s fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures were properly followed during the incident.

Police and emergency responders carried out rescue operations through the night, while the Kenya Red Cross deployed medical teams along with tracing and psychosocial support units to assist affected students and families.

Eyewitness accounts suggested possible delays in evacuation, with one relative alleging that a dormitory matron opened one exit while another door remained closed, causing confusion among students. However, officials have not independently verified these claims.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over school dormitory safety standards in Kenya , which has witnessed multiple fatal fires over the past two decades. Major past incidents include the 2001 Machakos fire that killed 67 students , the 2017 Nairobi school fire that claimed 10 lives , and a 2024 central Kenya dormitory fire that killed 21 students , after which President William Ruto declared national mourning .

Authorities have promised a comprehensive inquiry as rescue and recovery efforts continue at the school.