16 students killed as fire tears through Kenya school dormitory, raising safety questions

A devastating fire tore through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 students. The blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight, also left 79 other students injured, though 71 have since been discharged from the hospital. Approximately 220 girls were asleep in the dormitory when the fire started on the second floor.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Early reports from some survivors suggest that a student may have ignited a mattress. The incident was exacerbated by reports that doors on the affected floor were initially locked, leading some students to jump from windows in an attempt to escape.

This tragedy underscores the persistent challenge of school fires in Kenya, with officials noting a history of similar incidents, some attributed to arson or electrical faults. The government has initiated an investigation to determine if the school adhered to its fire safety protocols.