Christian professionals demand nationwide safety audit after deadly Utumishi Girls fire
By Mustafa Juma, May 30, 2026The Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) has called for an urgent nationwide review of safety standards in boarding schools following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the Christian professionals’ lobby said the country must urgently confront what it described as a growing crisis around the safety and welfare of learners in schools.
The forum, led by chairman Wahome Ngare and Education Committee convener Judith Ogweno, joined the nation in mourning the victims of the deadly blaze that rocked the Gilgil-based school.
Condolences to families
KCPF expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the school administration, and students affected by the incident, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking.
“The loss of young lives in a place meant for learning, safety, and growth is a profound national tragedy that calls for unity, compassion, and urgent reflection on the welfare and protection of children in our schools and institutions,” the statement read.
The forum also prayed for quick recovery for the injured students, many of whom are still receiving treatment following the fire tragedy.
Calls for transparent investigations
The Christian professionals’ body urged authorities to carry out what it termed a “thorough, transparent, and timely investigation” into the cause of the inferno.
The call comes amid preliminary findings by the government indicating that the fire was allegedly an act of arson. Authorities have already questioned several students as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
KCPF said accountability must be pursued to ensure such tragedies are not repeated in Kenyan schools.
“KCPF calls upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to strengthen safety standards in all learning institutions across the country,” KCPF stated.
Nationwide boarding school audit
The organisation further challenged the Ministry of Education to immediately launch a countrywide audit of safety compliance in boarding schools.
According to the forum, schools must be compelled to comply with fire safety regulations, improve dormitory conditions, install proper emergency exits, and strengthen rapid response systems.
“We urge the Ministry of Education to undertake a nationwide review of safety standards in learning institutions, particularly boarding schools, to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, adequate dormitory conditions, proper emergency exits, and rapid response systems,” the statement added.
The group emphasised that preventive action and accountability were essential in safeguarding the lives and dignity of learners.
National outrage over school safety
The Utumishi Girls Academy fire has triggered national outrage and renewed scrutiny over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.
Government investigations have already revealed that the dormitory involved in the fire was overcrowded and had a locked exit door, contrary to safety regulations contained in the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.
The government has since dissolved the school’s Board of Management, while disciplinary action has also been initiated against the principal and teachers accused of failing to act on warnings about possible unrest before the fire.
As the country continues mourning the victims, pressure is mounting on authorities to implement stricter safety standards in schools to prevent future tragedies.