DIG Lagat leads fundraising drive to rebuild Utumishi Girls after deadly fire
The fundraising comes three months after the May 28 tragedy in which a fire swept through a dormitory at the school shortly after midnight, killing 16 girls.
NAIROBI, Kenya - Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has spearheaded a fundraising initiative at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, with the goal of rebuilding the school following a devastating dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students. The fire, which occurred on May 28, 2026, has prompted a nationwide conversation on safety measures in boarding schools, particularly in relation to overcrowding, emergency exits, and fire preparedness.
The fundraising effort, initiated on Saturday, seeks to rally support for the reconstruction of the institution, which predominantly serves children from police families. The fire occurred shortly after midnight, affecting a dormitory housing around 220 students, and resulted in at least 79 injuries. Following the tragedy, the Education Ministry revealed that one of the dormitory's exit doors had been improperly secured, contravening safety protocols.
The school's board was dissolved, and the principal faced disciplinary action. Students were also arrested, some charged with murder. The criminal proceedings have added an additional layer to a tragedy that has deeply affected the families of the victims. The reconstruction campaign by Lagat comes as authorities and the school community work towards restoring the school and addressing the safety concerns that have been brought to light by this tragedy.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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