The government has announced a Ksh200,000 compensation package for each family that lost a loved one in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire, as the nation continues to reel from one of the deadliest school fire tragedies in recent memory.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura made the announcement on Sunday, June 7, confirming that the package extends to the family of a parent who died in a road accident while rushing to the school to check on her daughter after news of the fire broke out.
“The government continues to stand in solidarity with the families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community following the tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent, while leaving several others injured,” Mwaura said.
“This is a deeply painful moment for the nation, and no words can adequately ease the pain of the families who have lost their loved ones.”
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, at approximately 12:45 AM, killing 16 students and injuring 79 others. Beyond the cash payment, the state has committed to settling all medical expenses incurred by injured students at both St. Joseph Hospital in Gilgil and Kenyatta National Hospital, where several students were airlifted for specialised treatment.
The government will also cover funeral-related expenses for all victims, including mortuary charges, coffins, and transportation of the deceased. A requiem mass is planned at the school grounds on a date yet to be announced.
Mwaura pushed back against reports suggesting the government had failed to honour its earlier commitments to affected families. “The National Government, working closely with the County Government, remains fully committed to all the promises made to the affected families, contrary to claims from sections of the media,” he said, adding that the necessary administrative and legal processes are underway to fulfil all obligations.
A multi-agency team led by the National Disaster Operations Centre continues to coordinate support and oversee the implementation of all government interventions on the ground.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Nine students linked to the blaze were on June 3 ordered by a Naivasha court to remain at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home for 21 days, until June 24. The court agreed with the prosecution’s concern that releasing the minors could interfere with witnesses, noting the seriousness of the allegations under probe — including possible murder and arson charges.
Authorities have since confirmed that DNA testing has been used to successfully identify the remains of all 16 victims, bringing some closure to grieving families as the country mourns a tragedy that has reignited urgent calls for stronger safety standards in boarding schools across Kenya.
