We are extremely saddened to confirm to the nation that 16 students lost their lives in the Gilgil Girls Academy fire tragedy.
A total of 79 students were injured and rushed to the hospital. Of these, 71 have since been discharged, while 7 students remain admitted in stable condition. One student was picked up by a parent.
More details on the tragedy are as follows:
A fire broke out at around 12:45 a.m. last night in a dormitory located on the second floor of Utumishi Girls Academy, Gilgil.
At the time of the incident, the school had a student population of 808.
The fire was contained by 3:00 a.m. through the combined efforts of the county security team, ASTU, KDF, and the Nakuru County Fire Brigade.
Unfortunately, 16 students lost their lives in the tragedy.
Identification of the bodies is ongoing with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Investigations are also underway to establish the cause of the fire.
Students whose parents or guardians have arrived at the school have been released to return home.
A support desk has been established at the school, while information and support can also be accessed through the hotline number 1199.
A multi-agency crisis response team remains on site, comprising officers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the County Government of Nakuru, and the Kenya Red Cross.
We shall continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Once again, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families affected and wish a quick recovery to those who were injured.
