Government Spokesperson Hon. Dr. Isaac Mwaura earlier in a photo
By Peace Muthoka
The country has been thrown into mourning following a devastating fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where several students are feared dead while others suffered injuries.
The tragic incident, which shocked families and the wider public, prompted an immediate response from the Government, with emergency rescue teams swiftly deployed to contain the situation and assist affected learners.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Government Spokesperson Hon. Dr. Isaac Mwaura expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy that had left the nation in grief.
“The Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy,” he said while conveying condolences to families, parents, guardians, teachers and students affected.
Following the outbreak, emergency response teams drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster units, medical personnel and fire response teams were immediately dispatched to the school to support rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, injured students are receiving treatment at nearby health facilities as authorities continue working to account for all learners and ensure their safety.
The Government has also assured parents and Kenyans that every available resource has been mobilized to manage the crisis quickly and professionally. Officials from relevant agencies are already on the ground coordinating rescue operations while offering support to affected families.
At the same time, authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information or disturbing images online, saying such content could worsen the trauma experienced by grieving families and survivors.
Even as rescue efforts continue, investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, together with other relevant agencies, are working jointly to establish what caused the incident and determine the next course of action.
Dr. Mwaura said the Government stands in solidarity with students, teachers and families affected by the tragedy, adding that verified updates will continue to be shared through official communication channels.
The heartbreaking incident has once again sparked concerns over safety in schools, as the nation joins affected families in mourning lives feared lost and praying for the recovery of the injured.
