Utumishi Girls Academy closed as probe into dorm fire that killed 16 continues, Ogamba says

Ogamba said the closure is meant to give investigators room to establish what caused the blaze and determine whether there were safety lapses at the institution.

The move comes as authorities continue to piece together events surrounding the tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday.

Earlier, Ogamba said the fire broke out at about 12.45am in a dormitory on the second floor, which was completely destroyed. He said the school has a total population of 815 girls, but 808 were in the school at the time, with seven away at home for various reasons.

According to the Education CS, 79 learners were injured and taken to hospital. He said 71 have since been discharged, seven remain admitted, while one was picked from hospital by a parent.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged the public to be patient and avoid speculation as investigations continue.

“I ask everyone to be patient. We avoid speculation as to the cause of this tragedy,” Murkomen said, adding that the fire was put out by about 3am after a multi-agency response involving, among others, the county security team and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Ogamba has also said the government will review compliance with the school safety manual as part of the investigation, noting that schools are required to adhere to safety standards and emergency preparedness measures.

He said the ministry has previously shut down schools found not meeting the required safety specifications, adding that audits would continue.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika described the incident as a “very sad morning”, saying agencies were working together to support affected families.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is handling the probe.