Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba has confirmed that students at Utumishi Girls Academy will be released from the institution following a fire on May 28.
Speaking to the press after a meeting at the school, CS Ogamba said the surviving students will be released alongside their parents “in the course of the day”.
In addition, the CS said the government has put in place measures to ensure counseling and psychosocial support services are accorded to all students and their parents.
“We will be releasing the learners who are here present with their parents present in the course of the day and will continue briefing on the process of the investigation,” CS Ogamba directed.
At the time of the incident, Utumishi Girls Academy Secondary School had a total student population of 815, according to CS Ogamba. Of the total number of students, over 700 were reunited with their parents after a rescue mission.
Julius Ogamba noted that the fire started in a second-floor dorm. However, he noted that at the time of the incident, only 808 girl students were present in the institution, and the recorded number of injured students was 79.
Out of the 79 injured students, 71 received treatment and were discharged; 7 are currently admitted. The number of fatalities stood at 16, according to the official figures released by the government on Thursday.
Utumishi Girls Fire Outbreak
The Kenya Red Cross stated that the fire was reported at around 3:30 am, prompting an emergency response involving first responders, EMS Kenya ambulance crews, and psychosocial support personnel.
“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30 am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” Kenya Red Cross confirmed.
Police who responded to the fire confirmed that 16 students had succumbed to death, while 74 other students were admitted to the hospital with injuries of varying severity from the accident.
Also Read: Govt Deploys Counseling Specialists for Survivors and Bereaved Families After Utumishi Incident
Officials present at Utumishi Girls Academy
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Douglas Kanja Lagat and Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang Bitok were among top security officials present at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, following the dormitory fire incident.
In addition to the Education PS and DIG, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) boss, Mohamed Amin, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migosi Ogamba, were also present.
Despite the restrictions from the security team in the learning institution, media personnel were assured that once the situation was under control, they would be allowed back in the school.
Also Read: Govt Deploys Counseling Specialists for Survivors and Bereaved Families After Utumishi Incident
President Ruto’s Condolence Message
President William Ruto, on May 28, issued a condolence message to the parents and the school community who lost their loved ones in the Utumishi Girls fire. He added that the government was focusing on rescue efforts and the treatment of the injured.
In addition, the president explained that the government will offer support for affected families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
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