KNCHR calls for swift probe into deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire

KNCHR Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah-Onyango during a past address/FILE

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for swift investigations and accountability following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of at least 16 students.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission described the tragedy as a profound national loss and raised concern over what it termed recurring failures in school safety standards across the country.

KNCHR extended condolences to families, friends and the entire school community affected by the fire, saying the incident had also left survivors with psychological trauma.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the bereaved families, friends and the entire school community during this devastating time,” the commission said.

“We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this profound national loss, including survivors enduring profound psychological trauma.”

The commission said the tragedy was a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe learning environments, adding that the right to education is closely tied to the right to life and safety.

KNCHR called on relevant authorities to conduct what it described as a swift, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability for any negligence or systemic failures.

The fire broke out at around 12.45am in one of the dormitories at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru county.

Authorities said 16 students died while dozens of others sustained injuries during the incident.

More than 70 students were taken to hospital for treatment, with several later discharged after receiving medical attention.

Emergency response teams, including police officers, medical personnel and the Kenya Red Cross, were deployed to the school as rescue and evacuation operations continued through the morning.

Parents also streamed to the school seeking information about their children as authorities moved to account for all learners following the tragedy.

In its statement, KNCHR linked the Gilgil incident to previous deadly school fires that have occurred in Kenya over the years.

The commission cited similarities between the Utumishi Girls fire and the 1998 Bombolulu tragedy as well as the 2001 Kyanguli Secondary School fire that killed 67 students.

KNCHR said reports of locked emergency exits, inadequate night supervision and students jumping from upper floors reflected concerns that had repeatedly been raised in past investigations into school fires.

“Schools are not merely centres of learning, they are spaces where children are entrusted to the care and protection of the State and society,” the commission said.

“The loss of young lives through preventable tragedies points to gaps in compliance, preparedness, infrastructure, supervision and emergency response systems.”

The commission noted that several taskforces and audits conducted over the years had already made recommendations on school safety measures.

It referenced the 2008 Safety Standards Manual, findings by the 2016 Omolo Task Force and a 2020 audit that found many schools had either poorly understood or ignored safety requirements.

KNCHR also pointed to a nationwide assessment conducted after the September 2024 Hillside Endarasha school fire, which reportedly identified 348 schools that failed to meet minimum safety standards.

“The tragedy today is not a lack of knowledge about what needs to be done, but the systemic failure to translate known recommendations into sustained action and accountability,” the commission said.

The commission said it remained ready to support efforts aimed at strengthening child protection and school safety across the country.