Utumishi Girls' board dissolved, three teachers facing disciplinary action after deadly fire

The Ministry of Education has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, following preliminary findings into the deadly fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 learners.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Friday said the board had been disbanded for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.

The ministry cited serious safety lapses at the institution, saying the dormitory where the fire broke out was overcrowded and one of the exit doors had been locked.

“The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” said Ogamba.

“The school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.”

CS Ogamba further revealed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had commenced disciplinary action against the school principal and two teachers over alleged negligence.

According to the ministry, the two teachers had prior information about planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners but failed to take appropriate action.

He noted that the principal would also face disciplinary action for failing to enforce school safety regulations.

“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners. However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand,” Ogamba stated.

 “The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.”

The ministry, at the same time, confirmed that preliminary investigations had established the fire was an act of arson after the police earlier reported arresting eight students.

CS Ogamba underscored that the eight learners would remain in custody as investigations continue, with those found culpable set to face charges under the Penal Code and other relevant laws.

“The tragic fire was an act of arson. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation,” the CS said.

“The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act.”

The fire tragedy occurred on Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County.

At the time of the incident, the school had a total of 808 learners within the premises, all of whom were accounted for by Thursday evening.

The bodies of the 16 learners who died in the fire were transferred to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification.

Parents and guardians have been directed to the facility for DNA testing.

The ministry further said 79 learners suffered injuries of varying degrees, with seven still admitted in hospital, while the rest had been treated and discharged.