A dark cloud has hung over Gilgil, Nakuru County, following a devastating overnight inferno at Utumishi Girls Academy that has left at least 10 students feared dead and several others seriously injured.

The heartbreaking incident, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning, has sparked panic and grief across the nation, throwing the school community and parents into deep distress.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

According to emergency responders and local authorities, the fire broke out at around 1:00 AM while the students were asleep. It rapidly tore through one of the main dormitories, trapping learners inside.

Disturbing initial reports from the scene indicate that the students faced immense difficulty escaping, with witnesses suggesting that they were unable to quickly open the primary dormitory door as the smoke and flames engulfed the building.

The Kenya Red Cross confirmed it received the emergency alert at around 3:30 AM and immediately deployed response teams to coordinate with local emergency services.

Emergency Response and Casualties

A massive multi-agency rescue operation involving police officers, firefighters, and medical teams was launched to contain the blaze and evacuate survivors.

• Fatalities & Ongoing Headcount: Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed early Thursday morning that teams are still searching the debris. At least 10 students are feared dead, and authorities are currently conducting a rigorous headcount to fully account for all learners.

• Medical Status: Multiple students who sustained varying degrees of injuries and smoke inhalation have been rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for urgent medical attention.

• On-Site Support: First responders, E-Plus ambulance crews, and psychosocial support personnel from the Kenya Red Cross remain on the ground, offering trauma counseling to visibly shaken students, teachers, and arriving family members.

Distraught Parents Flock to School Gates

As news of the tragedy spread, anxious parents and guardians rushed to the institution, demanding answers. County police official Masoud Mwinyi addressed the gathering crowds, describing the event as an “extremely distressing and saddening situation.”

To facilitate unhindered search, rescue, and investigative operations, authorities have heavily restricted access to the main school gates, allowing only affected parents into the compound.

“Our teams are on the ground to gather more information and account for all the students as part of the probe into this incident. We have casualties, and the families have to be informed first,” stated Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi.

Rising Safety Concerns in Schools

The DCI and local police command have officially launched a joint investigation to establish the exact cause of the deadly outbreak.

This tragic event marks the latest in a worrying wave of school dormitory fires across the country over recent months—a trend that continues to push safety protocols, emergency exit compliance, and security measures in boarding institutions to the forefront of national conversations.

We will continue to update this post as more official details, casualty figures, and statements are released by the school management and Ministry of Education officials.