Utumishi Girls’ Academy to reopen on Thursday
By Sharon Atieno, June 29, 2026Ministry of Education Kenya officials on Monday, June 29, 2026, held a consultative meeting with parents of learners at Utumishi Girls Academy ahead of the planned reopening of the school on Thursday, weeks after the institution was indefinitely closed following the deadly fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 students.
The meeting brought together school management, ministry officials and parents who sought answers on the safety of their children following the tragedy that shook the country and raised fresh concerns over security standards in boarding schools. Parents reportedly demanded assurances that proper safety measures had been put in place before learners resume classes later this week.
Rift Valley Regional Education Coordinator James Indimuli assured parents that the institution has put in place immediate measures to safely accommodate learners ahead of reopening, saying management has reorganized available facilities to create additional space within the school following the recent tragedy.
“We have had to make some adjustments. We shall have some extra space in the dining hall, and we have also converted two classrooms so that we can ensure every facility is ready and students are accommodated well as learning resumes,” Indimuli said during the parents’ meeting.
Parents raise safety concerns ahead of reopening
During the meeting, parents pushed education officials to explain the interventions introduced to guarantee student safety, with concerns centering on school preparedness, dormitory safety and the overall welfare of learners returning to the institution after weeks of uncertainty.
The reopening comes amid heightened national concern over a rise in school unrest incidents, including dormitory fires reported in several learning institutions in recent months, prompting renewed scrutiny over student safety across the education sector.
School tragedy triggered indefinite closure
The school had been shut indefinitely in May after a devastating fire swept through the institution, killing 16 students and leaving dozens injured in one of the country’s deadliest school fire tragedies this year.
Speaking after the incident on May 28, 2026, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the closure, saying investigations had been launched to establish the cause of the fire as affected families sought answers.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be known, with investigations ongoing,” Ogamba said at the time, adding that the government had activated hotline number 1199 to assist parents and provide counselling support.
In the latest administrative changes following the tragedy, the school’s head teacher has since been transferred as education authorities move to restore confidence ahead of Thursday’s reopening.