The government has committed to provide KSh 200,000 to each bereaved family affected by the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy and will also meet all funeral-related expenses for the victims.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 6, Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura said the support forms part of a series of interventions undertaken since the tragic fire at the Gilgil-based school, which claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent, while leaving several others injured.
According to the government, each bereaved family will receive KSh 200,000, including the family of the parent who lost her life while travelling to pick up her child.
Mwaura said the government had also committed to settling all funeral-related expenses, including mortuary charges, coffins, transportation of the deceased, and the cost of a requiem mass that will be held at Utumishi Girls Academy on a date to be communicated later.
Government reaffirms support
The spokesperson said the National Government, working closely with the County Government, remained committed to all promises made to the affected families.
“The National Government, working closely with the County Government, remains fully committed to all the promises made to the affected families,” said Mwaura.
He added that the government was undertaking the necessary administrative and legal processes to fulfil the commitments.
Medical bills to be covered
Mwaura further stated that the government had facilitated the airlifting and transfer of injured students from St. Joseph Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialized treatment.
He said the State had committed to meeting all medical expenses incurred at both hospitals.
The spokesperson noted that a multi-agency team comprising the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) and other government representatives continues to coordinate support for affected families and oversee implementation of the interventions.
National mourning
Mwaura described the tragedy as a painful moment for the country and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
“The Government continues to stand in solidarity with the families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community following the tragic fire incident,” he said.
He added that the government’s priority was to support bereaved families, assist the recovery of injured students, and ensure dignified final rites for those who lost their lives.
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The fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy remains one of the country’s deadliest school disasters in recent years and has renewed calls for enhanced safety measures in learning institutions across Kenya.
By Joseph Mambil
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