Pathologist arrives at Utumishi Girls as authorities investigate deadly blaze

In a statement, government spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura said Dr Oduor would assist in investigations into the cause of the students' deaths.

The bodies of the students have since been transferred to Naivasha General Hospital, where government-supported DNA identification will be conducted to help families positively identify their loved ones.

The government also announced the indefinite closure of the school following the incident that left 79 students injured.

“Learning at the school has been suspended indefinitely as investigations continue to establish the cause of the inferno,” Mwaura said.

Meanwhile, parents of students who escaped the fire without injuries have been asked to collect their children from the school.

“Parents and guardians who arrived at the school have been reunited with their children, and some have already gone home with them. Only eight students remain at the school, and their parents or guardians have already been contacted,” the spokesperson said.

Of the 79 students injured, 72 have been treated and discharged, while seven with serious injuries were airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The government, however, said that most of the students airlifted to Nairobi are in stable condition.

“Government is taking all necessary measures to support and safeguard the wellbeing and safety of all affected families,” the statement added.

Mwaura further said a multi-agency emergency response team drawn from the national government, Nakuru County Government and the Kenya Red Cross had been deployed to coordinate support for students, parents, teachers and the wider school community.