Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has raised concerns over persistent gaps in school safety enforcement following a series of recurring dormitory fires in Kenya.

She described the incidents as “a national failure on repeat”, noting that more than 160 students have died in school fires over the past three decades.

Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday June 2, 2026, Asige cited a timeline of major tragedies, including the 1998 Bombolulu Girls fire that killed 26 students, the 2001 Chang’ali School fire that claimed 67 lives, the 2017 Moi Girls High School fire that left 10 dead, the 2024 Hillside Endarasha Academy fire that killed 21 students, and the 2026 Utumishi Girls Academy fire in Gilgil, where 16 students died, with fears the toll could rise to 19.

She said repeated safety recommendations and inspection reports flagging non-compliance had not been implemented in many institutions.

“This is not just a one-off tragedy. It is a national failure on repeat. In 1998, 26 Bombolulu Girls died in a fire. In 2001, Chang’ali School had 67 deaths. In 2017, at Moi Girls High School, 10 dead. In 2024, Hillside had 21 deaths. And now in 2026, Utumishi Girls, 16 dead, feared to be 19 according to reports this week. Over 160 Kenyan students have been burned alive in school dormitories in three decades,” Asige stated.

Calls for accountability and student welfare concerns

Asige said the pattern of incidents reflected systemic weaknesses in enforcement and oversight within the education sector. She added that despite multiple reforms, safety warnings continued to be ignored in some schools.

She also pointed to emerging concerns among students, citing increased expressions of dissatisfaction over discipline systems, academic pressure, and living conditions. She said these issues required closer attention to prevent the escalation of unrest within learning institutions.

Investigations into Utumishi Girls fire continue

The latest fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has led to ongoing investigations, with seven students arraigned at Naivasha Law Courts on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, under tight security. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has indicated that preliminary findings point to suspected arson.

Investigators reported CCTV footage showing students preparing matchboxes and paraffin before the fire broke out around 9 pm, approximately three hours after the initial preparations. Authorities said the students were reacting to changes in examination timetables, the introduction of a cultural event fee, and influence from unrest at a neighbouring boys’ school.

Post-mortem examinations at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital confirmed that all 16 victims died from severe burn injuries, with DNA analysis used for identification due to the extent of the burns.

Renewed push for reforms in school safety systems

Senator Hamida Kibwana has requested a formal statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the rise in school fire incidents and unresolved accountability from previous cases.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged school boards and administrators to strengthen safety measures, including decongested dormitories, emergency exits, and installation of CCTV systems with monitoring centres. He noted that early warning signs in the Utumishi case were reportedly not acted upon.

The Kenya Red Cross has reported 37 fire incidents in schools in 2026 and has called for enhanced safety training and regular emergency drills.

Stakeholders have warned that without stronger enforcement and engagement with student concerns, similar incidents may continue.