NAKURU, Kenya — The Board of Management (BOM) of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved following preliminary findings linking the dormitory fire to alleged violations of school safety regulations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed on Friday 29, May 2026 that urgent administrative and disciplinary action had been taken after initial investigations pointed to serious lapses in compliance, including dormitory overcrowding and a locked exit door during the incident.
“The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” Ogamba said.
Preliminary findings also indicate that the fire is suspected to have been an act of arson.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently holding and questioning eight learners identified as persons of interest. Investigators are seeking to establish their individual roles in the alleged planning and execution of the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing to establish the individual roles of those involved in the planning and execution of the act,” the CS said.
Safety breaches under scrutiny
Ogamba said early findings point to multiple breaches of mandatory safety requirements, including overcrowding in the dormitory and the locking of an emergency exit door, both of which violate basic fire safety protocols under the national school safety framework.
He said the developments suggest systemic non-compliance with provisions of the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations, which require strict adherence to emergency preparedness standards in boarding institutions.
Teachers reportedly warned before fire
The CS further revealed that two teachers had been informed by a section of Form Three learners about planned unrest before the fire.
According to Ogamba, no preventive action was taken despite the warning.
“Two members of staff were informed of the planned unrest, but no appropriate intervention was made before the incident occurred,” he said.
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The revelations have intensified scrutiny of administrative oversight at the institution as investigators examine possible failures of duty of care.
Disciplinary action and ongoing probe
Ogamba confirmed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been informed of the preliminary findings and has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the school principal over alleged failure to enforce safety compliance and respond to warning signals.
“TSC will take immediate disciplinary action against the principal for failing in their duty of care,” he said.
Security agencies remain deployed at the school as forensic teams continue to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the fatal blaze.
Authorities say the findings will inform both administrative sanctions and potential criminal charges as investigations progress.
