MURANG’A, Kenya — A fire broke out at Gacharage Secondary School in Kandara Ruchu, Murang’a County, on Thursday night, prompting an emergency response from county fire and rescue teams just hours after a deadly dormitory blaze at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil left 16 students dead and dozens injured.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed the incident in a public statement, assuring the public that all learners at Gacharage Secondary School had been accounted for and evacuation procedures had been activated immediately after the fire was reported.
“We are aware of the fire incident currently affecting Gacharage Secondary School,” Kang’ata said.
“The safety of students, staff, and nearby residents is our immediate priority. Evacuation protocols have been activated, and all learners have been accounted for.”
The governor said Murang’a County Fire and Rescue teams were working alongside local responders and community members to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further within the school compound.
Authorities had not established the cause of the fire by Thursday night, with investigations expected to begin once the scene is fully secured.
Kang’ata urged residents and members of the public to avoid gathering near the school to allow emergency responders unobstructed access.
“Please avoid the school area to allow emergency teams clear access. Follow instructions from county officers and National Police Service officers on the ground. Do not spread unverified information,” he said.
The incident has heightened national anxiety over student safety in boarding schools, coming less than 24 hours after one of Kenya’s deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.
Nation still reeling from Gilgil dormitory tragedy
Earlier on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that 16 students died following a massive dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The blaze reportedly broke out at around 1:00am while students were asleep inside the dormitory.
According to government officials, 79 students sustained injuries during the incident, with seven remaining admitted to hospital while dozens of others were treated and discharged.
Witnesses and relatives said some students suffered fractures and serious injuries after jumping from upper floors while attempting to escape the flames.
President William Ruto conveyed condolences to the affected families and directed authorities to prioritise treatment for the injured while investigations continue into the cause of the fire.
“It is a heartbreaking tragedy,” the president said in a statement earlier, pledging government support for victims and their families.
Long history of deadly school fires in Kenya
Thursday’s incidents have once again drawn attention to Kenya’s long and troubling history of school fires, many of which have resulted in mass casualties.
The country’s deadliest school fire occurred in 2001 at Kyanguli Secondary School in Machakos County, where 67 boys died after a dormitory was set ablaze in an arson attack linked to students.
More recently, in September 2024, at least 21 pupils were killed in a dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, prompting President Ruto to declare a period of national mourning.
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In 2017, a fire at a Nairobi secondary school killed 10 students, with investigations later leading to murder charges against a student.
Following repeated tragedies, a government task force established after the 2017 fires issued dozens of recommendations aimed at improving dormitory safety standards, strengthening emergency preparedness, enforcing fire drills and ensuring school exits remain accessible during emergencies.
However, education and safety experts have repeatedly warned that overcrowding, poor enforcement of safety regulations, inadequate emergency exits and aging infrastructure continue to expose students to serious risks in some institutions.
Investigations into the Gacharage Secondary School fire remain ongoing as authorities work to establish the source of the blaze and assess the extent of the damage.
