NAIROBI, Kenya — Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy following preliminary investigations into the deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 students at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry confirmed that investigations had established the fire was an act of arson, with eight students currently being treated as persons of interest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
16 Learners Dead, 79 Injured
According to the Ministry of Education, 808 learners were within the school compound when the fire broke out.
“Most unfortunately, sixteen learners lost their lives in the incident,” Ogamba said.
The bodies of the victims were transferred to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification, with parents and guardians directed to provide samples to facilitate the identification process.
The ministry further confirmed that 79 students sustained injuries during the tragedy. Seven learners remain hospitalised, while the others have since been treated and discharged.
DCI Investigating Suspected Arson
The government said preliminary findings point to deliberate arson.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation,” the statement read.
Authorities said investigations would determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement in planning and executing the fire.
The students found culpable are expected to face charges under the Penal Code and other applicable laws.
The latest update follows Thursday’s statement by the DCI indicating that homicide detectives, forensic experts, and crime scene investigators had taken over the investigation into the blaze at the Meline Waithera Dormitory.
School Accused of Violating Safety Rules
The ministry also faulted the school administration for allegedly failing to comply with mandatory safety standards under the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
Investigators found that the dormitory was congested and that one exit door had reportedly been locked, contrary to prescribed safety requirements.
The government further disclosed that two teachers had allegedly received prior information about planned unrest involving some Form Three students but failed to take preventive action.
“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners. However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson,” the statement added.
Principal Faces Disciplinary Action
Following the findings, the Teachers Service Commission was directed to institute disciplinary action against the school principal and teachers accused of negligence.
“The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal,” Ogamba stated.
Investigations are also ongoing into possible negligence by officers from the Ministry of Education and the TSC.
The government warned that officers found to have neglected their duties would face disciplinary and legal consequences.
