GILGIL, Nakuru County— Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County has begun a phased reopening following the tragic dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28 this year, marking a cautious return to learning as the institution continues to recover from one of its darkest moments.
Form Four students reported back to school on Wednesday, while Grade 10 learners are expected to resume classes on Monday next week. Form Three students will follow on Thursday, completing the phased return of learners.
Upon reporting back, students and their parents or guardians were received and provided with psychosocial support services aimed at helping them cope with the trauma of losing fellow students in the tragic incident.
The reopening comes after weeks of consultations between parents, school administrators and education authorities. An eight-hour meeting held on Monday approved the phased return of learners after agreeing on immediate and long-term safety and welfare measures.
The discussions focused on decongesting dormitories, strengthening safety standards, and improving essential facilities such as water supply within the school.
In response to accommodation challenges following the destruction of one of the institution’s largest dormitories, the school has constructed temporary housing facilities capable of accommodating at least 200 students to support the reopening process.
The reopening also comes a day after eight minors accused in connection with the fire were arraigned before the Kibera Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Utumishi Girls Academy had remained closed for several weeks following the May 28 inferno, which destroyed a major dormitory and left the institution grappling with infrastructure and emotional recovery challenges.
Education authorities say the phased reopening is intended to ensure a gradual and safe return to normal learning while prioritising student welfare and psychological support in the aftermath of the tragedy.
