Senior police and education officials have converged in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where a coordinated emergency response is underway following a late night incident at Utumishi Girls Academy.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat led a high-level briefing with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, receiving updates on ongoing rescue and recovery operations as teams continue to secure the scene and support affected learners and staff.
The briefing comes in the aftermath of of a devastating dormitory fire that broke out at the institution during the night, quickly spreading through one of the student accommodation blocks.
According to preliminary reports, at least 15 students are feared dead, with several others sustaining injuries of varying severity.
Emergency responders, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel, were deployed to the school shortly after the alarm was raised.
Security and education authorities have since cordoned off the affected area as forensic teams begin investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
Officials said efforts are being prioritised on identifying the victims, accounting for all students, and providing psychosocial support to survivors who witnessed the tragic incident.
Nearby hospitals have also been placed on high alert to handle possible referrals as families begin to arrive at the school seeking information about their children.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed condolences to the families affected, noting that government agencies are fully mobilised to manage the situation and prevent further loss of life.
He assured the public that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine whether safety protocols at the institution were followed and whether any lapses contributed to the incident.
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Education officials have also urged calm as they continue to compile a verified list of students affected by the tragedy.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat said police units remain on site to support rescue operations and ensure safety as investigations continue.
He added that specialised units are working closely with fire and disaster response teams to determine the origin of the blaze. Leaders from the region have also called for stricter enforcement of school safety standards, particularly in boarding institutions, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, counseling services are being arranged for students and staff affected by the incident as the nation awaits further updates.
Authorities have also established a temporary coordination centre at the school to assist in tracing missing students and reuniting families with survivors.
Police have maintained a tight perimeter around the dormitory block as investigations continue, restricting access to authorised personnel only.
Members of the public have been urged to rely on official communication channels for verified updates as rescue teams work through the night. Further updates are expected as the situation develops rapidly today.
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