Eight Students Arrested for Suspected Arson at Kenyan School

Kenyan authorities arrested eight female students on suspicion of setting a dormitory ablaze at a girls’ boarding school, resulting in 16 fatalities and injuries to 79 others. This incident occurred on Thursday at the Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. The school is operated by Kenya’s police.

The country’s criminal investigations unit described the arrested students as “persons of interest” in orchestrating the suspected arson. Julius Ogamba, Kenya’s education minister, indicated that charges could be brought against them by Tuesday.

Investigators have interviewed several individuals, reviewed CCTV footage, and continue to analyze evidence from the fire. The motive behind the incident remains unclear. The blaze began just before 1 a.m. local time and was subdued by 3 a.m., according to Mr. Ogamba.

This tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over fire safety in Kenyan schools. A government audit in 2020 revealed that many schools in Kenya lacked proper emergency preparedness, with insufficient extinguishers and alarms. This is despite a comprehensive national safety manual published in 2008, following numerous school fires that year.

A previous fire in 2024 at an elementary school claimed the lives of 21 children. The deadliest such incident occurred in 2001, when 67 students died following an arson attack at a high school in Machakos, southeast of Nairobi.

Mr. Ogamba announced that two teachers perceived to have prior knowledge of the arson would face disciplinary action. Additionally, the school’s management has been dissolved for failing to adhere to safety regulations. Reports highlighted that the dormitory was overcrowded, and a crucial exit was locked, violating established safety standards.

There was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements,

Ogamba stated. Parents at the scene reported that some children had to jump out of windows, resulting in various injuries. Seven students requiring specialized medical attention were transported to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

Many parents expressed frustration over the lack of information provided by authorities. On the day of the fire, some parents were eager to determine the status of their children.

Autopsies are currently in process at a nearby hospital to identify the victims’ bodies, according to Kenya’s criminal investigations unit.