Kenya girls' school horror kills estimated 15 students after fire destroys dorm

Police remain at the site

Carrington Walker and Tim Hanlon News Reporter

08:05, 28 May 2026Updated 08:22, 28 May 2026

[Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where police are leading rescue and emergency response efforts following a tragic dormitory fire in]

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An estimated 15 students have died, police said(Image: Kenya Police)

Around 15 students are feared to have died after a fire swept through a dormitory at a girls boarding school in Kenyas Nakuru county, according to police.

The blaze broke out in the early hours at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School, with officers saying the number of injured pupils has yet to be confirmed, according to the Mirror.

Emergency crews spent the night searching the charred remains of the dormitory after the fire ignited at about 1am local time, Samuel Ndanyi, the regional police commander, told Capital FM radio

"It is a distressing and saddening situation," county police official Masoud Mwinyi told distraught parents outside the school.

[Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil]

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Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil(Image: Kenya Police)

Firefighters and police officers had fanned out to control the blaze and evacuate other students, Capital FM added. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

A statement from the Kenya Police Service said: "Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where police are leading rescue and emergency response efforts following a tragic dormitory fire in which a number of students have unfortunately lost their lives.

"Several other students were injured and are receiving treatment as the National Police Service, working alongside the Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Education, Interior, The County Government of Nakuru, the NGAO, The Kenya Redcross and other emergency teams, continues with search, rescue and support operations.

"We are working to account for all students and support affected families during this difficult time."

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[Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil]

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Police remain at the site(Image: Kenya Police)

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