Kenya School Fire: Unknown Students Feared Dead

A fire broke out at Utumishi Girls boarding school in Gilgil, Kenya, in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026. The exact number of students feared dead remains unknown as search and rescue operations are actively underway. The fire started while the students were asleep, according to local police and the Kenya Red Cross, who have emergency responders on the ground offering support.

Police commander Masoud Mwinyi described the situation as sad and saddening while speaking to anxious parents outside the school. While some media reports suggest at least 10 student fatalities, authorities are still working to verify the total number of casualties. Several students sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and the school premises have been cordoned off to facilitate the recovery and investigation process.

Fires have unfortunately been a recurring tragedy in Kenyan boarding schools over recent years, with many deadly incidents attributed to a failure to adhere to safety guidelines. The Utumishi Girls school incident highlights these persistent safety challenges.