A fire swept through a girls' dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya, early Thursday, killing 16 students and hospitalizing 79 others. The blaze broke out around 1:00 AM local time, about 75 miles north of Nairobi.
Education Minister Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed the death toll, calling it an unfortunate tragedy. President William Ruto expressed condolences, describing the event as an unimaginable tragedy. The school, linked to the National Police Service, primarily houses children of officers.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen urged patience, warning against speculation. School fires are a recurring issue in Kenya, often linked to arson, exam stress, and long terms. A 2017 report cited student communication via smuggled phones as a factor.
A 2024 fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy killed 21 boys. Following that incident, the government pledged safety audits and prosecution of violators, but implementation remains unclear.