Sixteen learners died while 79 others injured following a fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County.
Government has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy for failure to comply with basic education manual regulations
Education CS, Interior and other stakeholders expected to visit Utumishi Girls School tomorrow
While speaking to Media on Friday 29th May, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, confirmed that all 808 learners who were in the school at the time of the incident have been accounted for.
He said seven learners remain admitted in hospital, while the rest of the injured have been treated and discharged.
The CS said the bodies of the 16 learners have been transferred to the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification. He urged parents and guardians to report to the facility to assist in the identification process.
“The tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy has resulted in the loss of 16 learners, while 79 others were injured,” CS Ogamba said.
Preliminary investigations have established that the fire was an act of arson. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is holding and questioning eight learners identified as persons of interest in connection with the incident.
YOU ALSO MISSED: https://safinews.co.ke/kenya-is-positioning-itself-as-a-leading-digital-and-data-hub-in-africa/
The CS said investigators are working to establish the individual roles of the suspects in the planning and execution of the fire, adding that those found culpable will face charges in accordance with the law.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight learners who are persons of interest in the investigation,” the statement read.
Investigations further established that the school failed to comply with safety requirements as outlined in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.
CS Ogamba said there was congestion in the dormitory at the time of the fire and that one exit door had been locked, contrary to safety regulations requiring unobstructed evacuation routes.
He noted that the lapses significantly worsened the impact of the fire and hindered rescue efforts.
The Government has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy Board of Management for failing to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also been notified and has initiated disciplinary action against the school principal for failing to enforce safety regulations.
Two teachers who were informed of planned unrest involving a section of Form Three learners but failed to act will also face disciplinary proceedings.
“The teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand,” CS Ogamba said.
READ ALSO: https://safinews.co.ke/kenya-kwanza-administration-committed-to-close-all-revenue-loopholes/
CS Ogamba said investigations have been expanded to include possible negligence by officers from the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission.
He said any officer found to have been negligent will face both disciplinary and legal action.
“We shall provide further information in due course as investigations progress,” he said.
Authorities have urged calm as investigations continue, even as families begin the painful process of identifying the deceased and injured learners continue receiving treatment.