Overview
- A dormitory fire on May 28 at Utumishi Girls Academy killed 16 pupils and injured scores more after the blaze broke out in the middle of the night.
- Police have arrested nine students who remain in custody and say interrogations and forensics indicate the fire began when a mattress near a dormitory exit was set alight with paraffin and a match.
- Investigators found at least one emergency exit locked from the outside and bodies on the upper floor, and the Education Ministry has suspended the school principal for failing to meet fire safety rules.
- Hundreds of mourners gathered for a public memorial on June 12 in Gilgil attended by the first lady and community leaders who demanded justice and support for surviving pupils.
- The tragedy has intensified nationwide safety checks and closures after relief groups and officials reported dozens of school fires this year, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of dorm capacity, unlocked exits, and basic firefighting equipment.