The Commission on Administrative of Justice (CAJ) has demanded answers from education authorities and the management of Utumishi Girls Academy following a deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In a statement issued last evening by Commission Chairperson, Charles Dulo, the Commission expressed shock and agony over the tragedy, which also left 79 students injured, seven of them in critical condition.
The Commission conveyed condolences to bereaved families, teachers, students, and the wider school community, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with every family that has lost a child, every parent anxiously waiting beside a hospital bed, and every student struggling to come to terms with this traumatic experience,” the statement read.
Utumishi Girls Academy hosts more than 800 students, with approximately 200 learners reportedly occupying the affected dormitory when the fire broke out.
The Commission acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, fire officers, police, counselors, and disaster response teams involved in rescue operations and support services.
However, CAJ noted that the incident reflects recurring safety failures in Kenyan learning institutions and called for strengthened safety standards, emergency preparedness, and administrative oversight in schools.
As part of its constitutional mandate, the Commission said it would engage relevant public institutions to establish accountability and assess compliance with safety regulations.
The commission has formally requested clarification and information from the principal secretary for basic education, the Nakuru County director of education, and the school’s board of management on several issues surrounding the tragedy.
Among the concerns raised are the circumstances that led to the outbreak and spread of the fire, the school’s compliance with fire safety regulations, records of previous safety inspections, and the adequacy of emergency response measures during the incident.
CAJ is also seeking details on medical and psychosocial support being provided to affected students and families, as well as oversight measures by education authorities to ensure schools comply with safety standards.
The Commission further urged members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of grieving families and avoid circulating unverified information or graphic content on social media.
“At this difficult moment, the Commission joins the nation in mourning, comforting the bereaved, and standing in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement added.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
By Wangari Ndirangu
