'Some parents have fainted,' guardian says after Gilgil dorm fire tragedy

Grief and confusion engulfed families at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on Thursday after a fire broke out at the school, leaving at least 15 students dead and several others injured.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out at around 1 am.

One guardian who spoke at the scene recounted the horrifying moments as students desperately tried to escape from the burning dormitory.

The guardian said parents had not yet received full information on the number of casualties, adding that many families remained distressed as they searched for their children.

“Those who were on the upper floor were jumping, and that is why most of them were hurt. We have heard that some of them were burnt and are in the hospital. We have not been told how many students have passed on. I’m lucky to have found my aunt’s child. She has a broken leg, but she will be fine,” she said.

“I condole with the parents who have lost their children. I ask the government to conduct a speedy investigation to find out what happened.”

The guardian further called on the government to conduct swift investigations into the incident.

She noted that school management had not yet addressed parents by the time she spoke, as anxiety and emotions continued to rise at the scene.

“Some parents have fainted on the other side, although the Red Cross team are on the ground trying to help,” she said.

In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that emergency teams had been deployed to support rescue efforts and assist affected students.

“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the organisation said.

The agency added that first responders, EMS Kenya ambulance crews and psychosocial support personnel were on the ground alongside other emergency teams and relevant authorities.

Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams assess the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

“Our teams are on the ground to gather more 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,” Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi said.