The Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting families affected by the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent, even as it dismissed claims that it has failed to honour its promises.
In a statement issued on June 6, 2026, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura said the State continues to stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the school community during what he described as a deeply painful moment for the nation.
“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 1 parent, while leaving several others injured. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this difficult period of grief and mourning,” said Mwaura.
He emphasized that the National Government, in collaboration with the County Government, remains fully committed to fulfilling all pledges made to the 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. The Government is taking necessary administrative and legal processes towards the fulfilment of these commitments,” he stated.
According to the update, the Government has already undertaken several interventions to support victims and their families. These include facilitating emergency medical care and financial assistance.
“It is important to state that since the unfortunate tragedy, the Government has undertaken various interventions to support the affected families and students including : Facilitating the airlifting and transfer of injured students from St. Joseph Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialized treatment and committed to meeting all medical expenses incurred at both hospitals and paying KSh 200,000 to each bereaved family (including the family of the parent who tragically lost her life while coming to pick her child.),” the statement reads.
The Government has also pledged to cover all funeral-related costs for the victims as part of efforts to ensure dignified send-offs.
“Further, the Government has committed to meeting funeral-related expenses, including mortuary charges, coffins, transportation of the deceased and the requiem mass that will be held at Utumishi Girls Academy on a date to be communicated. The multi-agency team comprising of the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and other representatives, continues to coordinate support for the affected families and oversee the implementation of these interventions,” Mwaura added.
He underscored that the Government’s priority remains supporting grieving families, aiding the recovery of the injured, and ensuring proper final rites for those who died.
“As a nation, our priority at this moment is to stand with the bereaved families, support the recovery of the injured, and ensure dignified final rites for those we lost. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to walk with the affected families throughout this difficult period and to provide all necessary support as they come to terms with this devastating loss. May the souls of the departed ones rest in eternal Peace,” he said.
The spokesperson concluded with a message of national unity and resilience, calling on Kenyans to remain patriotic and united in the face of tragedy.
