Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika has said both the national and county governments are working jointly to support families and students affected by the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Kihika described the incident as a painful national tragedy, saying authorities were now focused on reuniting parents with students, supporting survivors, and identifying victims.

“It is a very sad morning, as you have heard from the two Cabinet Secretaries of Education and Interior. We are working together, both the national government and the county government, to stand in the gap,” Kihika said.

The governor noted that counselling services had already been made available for affected students and families as emergency teams continued attending to those injured during the incident.

She further said medical teams were continuing to provide care for students admitted to the hospital following the fire.

“It is really a huge disaster this morning, and what is happening right now is the pairing of the parents and students. Also, counselling is available. We continue praying for the students in the hospital so that they can heal,” she stated.

Investigations underway

Kihika said authorities were also entering what she described as the most difficult phase of the response process, including identifying students who lost their lives and informing affected families.

“As we continue now to the more difficult part, which is figuring out the ones who have lost their lives and informing the families once we get to that point, we stand in solidarity with parents, the school, and the government,” she said.

She added that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire and prevent future tragedies in schools.

“We also have the Director of Criminal Investigations and his team to get to the bottom of the cause of the fire so that it does not happen in the future,” Kihika added.

Cause of fire still unknown

Her remarks come after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that investigations into the cause of the tragic dormitory fire were ongoing.

Speaking after visiting the school alongside senior security officials, Ogamba said authorities were working jointly with investigators and emergency responders to establish what triggered the blaze that shocked the nation.

The tragedy has since sparked renewed concerns over school safety and emergency preparedness in learning institutions across the country.