At least 16 students are feared dead following a devastating fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil during the early hours of Thursday.
The fire reportedly broke out shortly after midnight while more than 200 students were asleep in a dormitory on the school campus. Authorities say the flames spread rapidly through the building, trapping several students inside and triggering panic across the school.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, and personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, rushed to the scene to rescue students and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Reports indicate that at least 79 students sustained injuries, with some suffering severe burns and fractures after jumping from windows in desperate attempts to escape the flames.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings from first responders, the fire is believed to have started on the second floor of the dormitory. Some survivors reportedly suggested that a mattress may have been intentionally set ablaze, although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause.
Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the exact cause of the deadly inferno.
The tragedy has left parents and relatives devastated, with many gathering outside the school overnight seeking information about their children.
Emotional scenes unfolded as rescue teams continued operations into the night while authorities worked to account for all students.
William Ruto and other Kenyan government officials have expressed condolences to the affected families and assured the public that a full investigation will be conducted.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in boarding schools across Kenya, following a number of fatal school fire outbreaks recorded in recent years.
