By Joshua Otieno | May 28, 2026
NAKURU, KENYA — The Government and people of Kenya are mourning following a devastating fire tragedy at Tumishe Girls’ Academy in Nakuru County, where 16 students lost their lives after a dormitory fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, the fire erupted at approximately 2:45 a.m. in a second-floor dormitory at the institution, which has a student population of 808 learners.
Emergency response teams moved swiftly to contain the disaster through a coordinated multi-agency operation involving the national government, county security teams, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and the Nakuru County Fire Brigade. Authorities confirmed that the fire was successfully contained by 3:00 a.m.
The tragedy left 79 students injured, with victims rushed to various hospitals for emergency treatment. According to Dr. Mwaura, 72 students have since been discharged, while seven others with minor injuries remain in stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The Government further confirmed that most parents and guardians have already been reunited with their children, leaving only eight students still at the school under supervision.
Investigations into the cause of the deadly inferno are now underway, with Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Odor leading forensic examinations at the cordoned-off scene.
Authorities revealed that the bodies of the deceased students have been transferred to Naivasha General Hospital, where a government-supported DNA identification process is ongoing to assist families in positively identifying their loved ones.
Learning activities at Tumishe Girls’ Academy have been suspended indefinitely as investigations continue.
To support affected families and survivors, the Government has established a help desk at the school, while counseling and psychosocial support services have been activated through the national hotline 1199.
A multi-agency emergency response team drawn from the Ministries of Interior, Education, Health, Gender and Children’s Services, alongside the Nakuru County Government and the Kenya Red Cross, remains on the ground coordinating support for students, teachers, parents, and the wider school community.
As the nation mourns the heartbreaking loss, the Government has assured affected families of full support and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening learner safety across schools in the country.
Further updates, officials said, will be communicated through official Government channels.
