Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has confirmed that there were no casualties after a night fire at Gacharage Girls School in Kandara. Kang’ata has said that despite a fire that broke out at a dormitory at the school overnight, the situation was contained

Confirming the fire outbreak on his social media handles on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Kang’ata said that the county fire and rescue teams immediately responded to the incident and were engaged in the firefight with local community members.

“Murang’a County Fire and Rescue teams are on site and actively battling the fire alongside local community responders,” Kang’ata said.

The governor assured parents and residents that all pupils had been safely evacuated and accounted for as emergency measures were immediately put in place.

“Our primary concern is the safety of the children, staff, and local community, and we have activated evacuation procedures, and all students have been accounted for,” he added.

Investigations into the tragedy

The governor further stated that the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, saying that the authorities would fully assess and investigate the situation when the fire is fully contained.

The governor appealed for members of the public to stay away from the school premises so as to enable emergency personnel to operate freely while fighting the fire.

The residents were also warned to follow the directions of local authorities and law enforcement officials at the scene, as well as not to share unconfirmed information about the incident.

Kang’ata admitted the worry of some parents and the school community, noting efforts by county emergency teams to make sure the fire is contained and damage is limited to a minimum.

The public was encouraged to reach out to Murang’a County Disaster Management via the MyMurang’a app in case of urgent queries.

The county government said it will keep issuing updates via official communications as additional information becomes available.

Utumishi Girls’ School fire tragedy

The fire comes at a time when the country is still mourning the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left others injured, triggering renewed debate over school safety standards across the country.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, confirmed that 16 students lost their lives following a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy. This tragedy has plunged the country into mourning and renewed concerns over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.

Ogamba said the fire broke out at around 12:45 am in one of the dormitories located on the second floor of the school. The blaze rapidly spread through the dorm, causing extensive damage and injuring several students.

“And we woke up with the sad news of a fire incident at this girls’ school, where at about 12:45 am a fire broke out in one of the dorms on the second floor,” Ogamba said.