Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura
By Peace Muthoka.
NAIROBI, June 8, 2026 — The Government has moved to cushion families affected by the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, rolling out financial, medical and psychosocial support as the country continues to mourn the loss of 16 students and one parent.
The tragedy, which has shaken the nation and reignited debate over student safety in schools, left several learners injured, some with life-altering consequences after desperate attempts to escape the inferno.
Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura said the State remains firmly committed to supporting the bereaved families and the wider Utumishi Girls Academy community as they navigate grief and recovery.
Seven injured students who were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment have since been discharged. However, three of the survivors will require wheelchairs after sustaining severe injuries while escaping the fire.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Government facilitated the emergency airlifting and transfer of injured learners from St. Joseph Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital to access advanced medical care.
At the same time, the State committed to fully covering all medical bills incurred at both facilities to ease the financial burden on affected families.
Bereaved families have also received KSh200,000 each to support funeral preparations, including the family of the parent who lost her life while travelling to pick up her child from school.
Further government support will include mortuary expenses, coffins, transport arrangements for the deceased and a requiem Mass set to be held at Utumishi Girls Academy on a date to be communicated.
Meanwhile, a multi-agency team led by the National Disaster Operations Centre continues to coordinate interventions and provide support to families while overseeing the implementation of relief measures.
Beyond immediate assistance, the tragedy has also renewed concerns over safety, discipline and student welfare in schools amid rising cases of unrest in learning institutions across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Mwaura said recent incidents point to the urgent need for stronger mental health support systems, improved learning environments and greater student engagement.
He said the Government is intensifying counselling services, strengthening learner support programmes and enhancing teacher capacity-building to ensure schools remain safe and supportive spaces for students.
The Government has also increased the number of Quality Assurance Officers from 600 to 1,000 countrywide to boost oversight, monitor education standards and support targeted interventions in schools.
Mwaura further called on parents, schools and communities to work together in nurturing discipline, responsibility and respect for human life among young people, saying collective action is key to preventing future tragedies and building safer learning environments.
