NAKURU, Kenya — Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has begun a phased reopening more than a month after a devastating dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students, marking a cautious return to learning as the school implements enhanced safety measures and psychosocial support.
Form Four students resumed classes on Thursday, while Grade 10 learners are expected to report on Monday. Form Three students will return on Thursday next week, completing the phased reopening approved by education authorities and parents.
Students arriving at the school, accompanied by their parents or guardians, underwent registration before receiving psychosocial counselling aimed at helping them cope with the trauma caused by the May 28 tragedy.
School administrators have also put in place temporary accommodation facilities capable of housing at least 200 students to address the shortage created after one of the institution’s largest dormitories was destroyed in the inferno.
The phased reopening follows an eight-hour consultative meeting held on Monday involving parents, school management and education officials. The stakeholders agreed that learning could resume after reviewing measures to improve student welfare and school safety.
The meeting also resolved to prioritise the decongestion of dormitories, strengthen fire safety standards and improve water supply within the institution as part of broader efforts to prevent similar incidents.
Court case underway
The reopening comes a day after eight minors accused in connection with the deaths of the 16 students appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to charges related to the fatal fire.
The court proceedings form part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which shocked the nation and renewed debate over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.
Authorities have not disclosed further details of the prosecution because the accused are minors.
Focus on recovery
Education officials say the phased return is intended to allow the school to gradually restore normal operations while ensuring adequate accommodation, counselling and safety arrangements for learners.
The May 28 fire was among the deadliest school tragedies in recent years, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of boarding school safety regulations and improved emergency preparedness across learning institutions.
As classes resume, the school and education authorities face the dual challenge of restoring confidence among parents and supporting students as they recover from one of the country’s worst school disasters.