Utumishi Girls tragedy: Red Cross confirms 132 affected in school dormitory fire
By Cynthia Lodite, May 28, 2026The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that at least one hundred and thirty-two students have been affected in a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County.
In a statement on the Red Cross Kenya official X account on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the rescue team confirmed that several students had been evacuated and were receiving treatment in various hospitals.
“Update: So far, 132 students have been affected following the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, with several evacuated and receiving treatment in various hospitals,” Kenya Red Cross said.
At the same time, the response team confirmed that it continues to support affected students and families through psychosocial support and tracing services as response efforts remain ongoing
“Kenya Red Cross continues to support affected students and families through psychosocial support and tracing services as response efforts remain ongoing,” Kenya RedCross added.
Utumishi Fire
The fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy started in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026, as the students were asleep.
Anxious parents and relatives have been gathering at the scene waiting for news of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, according to a report by the National Police Service, search-and-rescue operations were underway, with authorities yet to establish the cause of the fire.
The Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogambo has so far confirmed that the fire broke out on the first floor of one of the dormitories, which was “completely destroyed” in the blaze.
“The response teams managed to put out the fire by about 03:00, but by then the damage had already been done,” he said.
He added that the school would begin releasing students to their parents and guardians throughout the day as authorities continue investigations.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was also among the officials gathered at the school after the incident, sent his condolences to the bereaved families.
The government has so far confirmed that 16 students succumbed to the fire incident.
“It’s a very anxious moment and even as we account for the 16 so far identified as having passed on, I want to ask the people of Kenya that together we stand with the families… in prayer, in support.
“I ask everyone to be patient and avoid speculation,” he said.