Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for an urgent nationwide review of school safety standards following the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls High School that claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the Chief Justice said that the recurring incidents of fires and safety breaches in boarding schools had become a serious national concern and demanded immediate action from the relevant authorities.

Koome described the tragedy as heartbreaking, saying the country had lost young girls whose lives held immense promise and potential.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred at Utumishi Girls High School on the night of 28th May 2026, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of 16 young students and injuries to several others,” CJ Koome said.

Koome sends condolences to families

The Chief Justice extended condolences to the bereaved families, friends, teachers, and the entire school community, noting that no parent should ever endure the pain of losing a child in such circumstances.

“These young girls represented hope, promise, and the future of our nation. Their lives were cut short at a time when they were pursuing their dreams and preparing to make their contribution to society,” Koome added.

She also wished a quick recovery to the injured students who are currently receiving treatment following the fire incident that shocked the nation.

Calls for tougher school safety measures

Koome used the statement to push for stronger safety measures in learning institutions, warning that repeated school fire incidents pointed to systemic failures that could no longer be ignored.

“The recurring incidents of fires and other safety breaches in boarding schools are a matter of serious national concern. We owe our children safe and secure learning environments,” she stated.

The Chief Justice called on all relevant agencies and stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of school infrastructure, emergency preparedness systems, risk management mechanisms, and general safety standards to protect learners across the country.

“As we mourn, we must also renew our commitment to ensuring that such tragedies never happen again,” she said.

Her remarks came as authorities continued with the identification process of the 16 students who died in the inferno.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba earlier confirmed that out of the 808 students at the school, 79 were affected by the tragedy. He said 71 students had already been treated and discharged, while seven others remained hospitalised.

The deadly incident has sparked fresh debate over safety conditions in boarding schools, with Kenyans online demanding accountability and tougher enforcement of fire safety regulations in learning institutions.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.