The government has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls’ Academy following a devastating fire that claimed 16 learners’ lives and left several others injured in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

In a press statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that the decision was taken after preliminary investigations revealed serious lapses in safety compliance at the institution.

The tragedy occurred on the night of May 28, 2026, when a fire broke out at the school dormitories, leaving the nation in shock and prompting urgent investigations by security and education authorities.

Arson Investigation Underway

According to the Ministry, preliminary findings have established that the fire was an act of arson. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently holding and questioning eight learners who are considered persons of interest in the incident.

The Ministry said investigators are working to establish the individual roles of the suspects in the alleged planning and execution of the fire. Those found culpable will face charges under the Penal Code and other relevant laws.

“The tragic fire was an act of arson. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight (8) learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation. The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act. Those found culpable will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code and other relevant laws,” Ogamba stated.

Victims and medical response

The Ministry confirmed that out of 808 learners present at the time of the incident, all have now been accounted for.

Sixteen learners lost their lives in the tragedy. Their bodies have been moved to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification, with parents and guardians directed to the facility to assist in the process.

A total of 79 learners sustained injuries of varying severity. Seven remain admitted to the hospital, while the rest have since been treated and discharged.

Safety breaches cited

Investigations further revealed that the school failed to comply with critical safety requirements outlined in the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.

The Ministry highlighted overcrowding in the dormitory and the locking of one exit door as key violations that may have worsened the impact of the fire.

In addition, two teachers had reportedly been informed of planned unrest involving a section of Form Three learners but failed to take preventive action before the incident occurred.

“The school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements,” the statement reads in part.

“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners. However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand.”

Disciplinary Action Taken

Following the findings, CS Ogamba announced immediate administrative and disciplinary measures.

The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been formally dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also been notified and is initiating disciplinary proceedings against the school Principal for negligence. Teachers who allegedly failed to act despite prior warnings are also set to face internal disciplinary action.

The Ministry further indicated that investigations are ongoing into possible negligence by officials within both the Ministry of Education and the TSC, with further action expected based on the outcome.

“The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” Ogamba said.

“The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. The teachers who failed to take action despite having been informed of the planned unrest will also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.”

The fire has sparked widespread concern across the country, with calls for stricter enforcement of school safety standards, particularly in boarding institutions.

Authorities say investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing, with further updates expected as forensic and security assessments continue.