The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting families affected by the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, announcing that each bereaved family will receive Sh200,000 as part of a package of interventions following the tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 students.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the State remains fully committed to all promises made to the affected families and dismissed claims that the commitments had not been honoured.
"The government continues to stand in solidarity with the families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community following the tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent, while leaving several others injured," Mwaura said in a statement.
"This is a deeply painful moment for the nation, and no words can adequately ease the pain of the families who have lost their loved ones."
The reassurance comes amid concerns raised in some quarters regarding the implementation of support measures announced after the tragedy, one of the deadliest school fire incidents in recent years.
Mwaura said the national government, working closely with the county administration and other agencies, was undertaking the necessary administrative and legal processes to ensure all commitments are fulfilled.
"The National Government, working closely with the County Government, remains fully committed to all the promises made to the affected families, contrary to claims from sections of the media," he said.
According to the government, the support package includes financial assistance of Sh200,000 for each bereaved family, including the family of a parent who lost her life while travelling to pick up her child following the fire outbreak.
The State has also committed to settling all medical expenses incurred by injured students, including treatment costs at both St Joseph Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital.
Following the incident, several students were airlifted and transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.
"It is important to state that since the unfortunate tragedy, the Government has undertaken various interventions to support the affected families and students, including facilitating the airlifting and transfer of injured students from St Joseph Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment and committing to meet all medical expenses incurred at both hospitals," Mwaura said.
In addition, the government will meet funeral-related expenses for the victims, including mortuary charges, coffins, transportation of the deceased and the cost of a requiem mass that will be held at the school on a date to be communicated later.
The spokesperson said a multi-agency team led by the National Disaster Operations Centre continues to coordinate support for the affected families and oversee implementation of the government's interventions.
"The multi-agency team comprising the National Disaster Operations Centre and other representatives continues to coordinate support for the affected families and oversee the implementation of these interventions," he said.
The fire shocked the nation and reignited concerns over safety standards in boarding schools, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in learning institutions.
As investigations into the cause of the blaze continue, the government said its immediate focus remains supporting grieving families, aiding the recovery of injured students and ensuring dignified burials for those who lost their lives.
"As a nation, our priority at this moment is to stand with the bereaved families, support the recovery of the injured and ensure dignified final rites for those we lost," Mwaura said.
"The government remains steadfast in its commitment to walk with the affected families throughout this difficult period and to provide all necessary support as they come to terms with this devastating loss."
He urged Kenyans to continue standing in solidarity with the affected families as the country mourns one of the most devastating school tragedies in recent memory.
"May the souls of the departed ones rest in eternal peace," he said.
