GILGIL, Nakuru County—The government has announced that each family that lost a student in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire will receive Sh200,000 as part of a compensation package following the tragedy that claimed 16 students and a parent.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the State will extend the financial support to all bereaved families, including that of a parent who died in a separate road accident while rushing to the school after learning of the incident.
He also confirmed that the government will cover all medical expenses for more than 79 students who were injured in the fire and admitted to various hospitals, including those referred for specialised treatment.
“The government continues to stand in solidarity with the families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community following the tragic fire incident,” Mwaura said.
He added that all hospital bills incurred in both primary and referral facilities will be fully settled, alongside funeral-related costs such as mortuary services, coffins, transport of remains and memorial arrangements.
“The National Government, working together with the County Government, remains fully committed to all undertakings made to the affected families,” he said, dismissing claims that some pledges had not been honoured.
Identification and delayed burials
Meanwhile, the process of identifying the 16 students who died in the fire has been completed through DNA analysis, paving the way for burial arrangements more than a week after the tragedy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The victims were confirmed after forensic experts collected DNA samples from relatives, following difficulties in visual identification due to the severity of burns sustained in the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of May 28.
Only one family had by the weekend received the body of their child. The remains of Zahara Rama were released and transported to Kwale County, where she was buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites, after confirmation through DNA matching.
Under Islamic tradition, burial is typically conducted within 24 hours of death. However, forensic requirements in the aftermath of the fire delayed the process for several days.
Growing frustration among families
While identification has brought some closure, the remaining families are still waiting for the release of their children’s bodies. The government has proposed a joint requiem mass scheduled for June 17 before burials proceed, a move that has drawn mixed reactions.
Some parents have objected, saying the arrangement risks prolonging their grief and places additional emotional and financial strain on already devastated families.
Humanitarian response
The Kenya Red Cross has maintained a sustained presence since the tragedy, saying it has remained alongside affected families, teachers and students throughout the recovery period.
In a statement, the organisation noted that it has provided mental health and psychosocial support, first aid, comfort and other forms of humanitarian assistance to those affected.
“Ten days since the Utumishi Fire Tragedy, we remain by the side of the families, teachers and students,” the organisation said, adding that it will continue supporting the healing process.
Investigations underway
As families await burial arrangements, investigations into the cause of the deadly fire continue, with authorities expected to establish what triggered the blaze and whether safety lapses contributed to the tragedy that has shocked the nation.
