Utumishi Girls fire: Board dissolved over safety lapses

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Education CS Julius Ogamba/X

The Board of Management (BOM) of Utumishi Girls’ Academy has been dissolved following preliminary findings linking the dormitory fire to alleged violations of school safety regulations.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed on Friday that urgent administrative and disciplinary measures have been taken after initial investigations pointed to serious lapses in safety compliance, including overcrowding in the dormitory and a locked exit door at the time of the incident.

"The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations," Ogamba said.

According to preliminary findings, the fire is suspected to have been an act of arson.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ogamba said, is currently holding and questioning eight learners identified as persons of interest in the case.

Investigators say their role in the planning and execution of the incident is still under scrutiny.

“The investigation is ongoing to establish the individual roles of those involved in the planning and execution of the act,” he stated.

The CS further revealed that the school had failed to adhere to mandatory safety requirements outlined in the school safety manual and national basic education regulations.

Among the cited violations were congestion in the dormitory and the locking of one exit door, both of which are considered critical breaches of fire safety protocols.

Ogamba also confirmed that two teachers had been alerted by a section of Form Three learners about planned unrest before the fire.

According to Ogamba, no preventive action was taken by the two despite the warnings.

“Two members of staff were informed of the planned unrest, but no appropriate intervention was made before the incident occurred,” said the CS.

According to Ogamba, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has since been appraised of the findings and has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the principal for alleged failure to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to act on prior warning signals.

“TSC will take immediate disciplinary action against the principal for failing in their duty of care,” he said.

Meanwhile, security agencies continue to secure the school premises as forensic teams work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the blaze.

Authorities say the findings will form the basis for further administrative and criminal action.