NAKURU, Kenya — Grade 10 learners at Utumishi Girls Academy resumed classes on Monday as the school entered the second phase of its staggered reopening following the dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28.
The phased return began on July 2 with Form Four students reporting under heightened security and a structured psychosocial support programme.
School administrators expect Form Three learners to report on July 9, completing the gradual resumption of learning.
The staggered reopening is intended to facilitate enhanced security measures while allowing learners to receive individual counselling and trauma support following one of the country’s deadliest school fires in recent years.
Temporary accommodation
The school has erected temporary dormitories within its compound to house students after the destroyed Meline Waithera Block was sealed off as a crime scene pending the completion of investigations.
Authorities have maintained heightened security as normal operations gradually resume.
Meanwhile, eight girls have been charged with 16 counts of murder after investigators alleged they started the fire that killed the students.
The accused, who are minors, denied the charges and remain at Kabete Children’s Remand Home awaiting a ruling on their bail application scheduled for September 22.
During an earlier court session, Diana Kavedza directed the media to identify the accused only as “subject minors” throughout the proceedings in line with legal protections afforded to children.
The judge also instructed defence lawyers to advise the minors that the trial is likely to take considerable time because of the number of victims involved.
Bail decision pending
Justice Kavedza ordered probation officers to keep the minors under close supervision while in remand, including limiting access to mobile phones and television to safeguard their mental well-being.
She further directed the parents of the accused to facilitate counselling during the remand period.
The court said its decision on bail will be informed by a probation report compiled after interviews with the parents of the 16 deceased students, school administrators, investigators and the accused minors.
Calls for reforms
The tragedy has renewed debate over school safety, student discipline and the adequacy of infrastructure in learning institutions.
Speaking in the National Assembly on July 2, Otiende Amollo said the incident exposed collective failures by families, schools, government and Parliament in protecting children.
“I condole with the families that have lost their little ones, and I think we must accept that we have all failed the children who perished,” he said.
Amollo called for the establishment of an ad hoc parliamentary committee to investigate the increasing cases of unrest in schools.
He argued that the implementation of the 100 pc transition policy without corresponding investment in infrastructure had contributed to overcrowding in schools and heightened safety risks.
Referring to images of the burnt dormitory, the legislator said congestion underscored the need for a comprehensive review of school infrastructure and education policies to better protect learners.
The fire has continued to generate nationwide concern, with education stakeholders calling for stronger safety standards, improved psychosocial support for students and reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in schools.