Red Cross: 47 school fires, 187 injured since January

• Sixteen of the incidents occurred after the deadly Utumishi Academy fire tragedy.

• Data indicates that 104 schools have faced disruptions this year due to fires, unrest, and safety-related incidents.

• Student unrest alone led to the closure of 56 schools nationwide.

• The report was released during a requiem mass in Gilgil for the 16 victims who died in the Utumishi fire tragedy.

By Frank Mugwe

The Kenya Red Cross has raised alarm over the increasing number of fire outbreaks in schools across the country, disclosing that 47 educational institutions have experienced fire incidents since January this year.

Data released by the humanitarian agency on Friday, June 12, shows that 16 incidents have occurred since the tragic fire at Utumishi Academy, sparking renewed concerns over the adequacy of safety measures in schools.

“Since January, 47 schools have reported fire incidents, with 16 occurring after the tragic Utumishi Academy fire,” says the Kenya Red Cross.

The data also shows that 187 individuals have received treatment for injuries, with 132 of those cases linked to the Utumishi incident alone.

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The agency stressed that school safety requires immediate action, affirming that every learner deserves a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and develop.

The data highlights the growing challenges facing schools, with 104 institutions disrupted this year by fires, student unrest and safety concerns. Student unrest alone led to the closure of 56 schools.

The report was released as friends, relatives and members of the public gathered to commemorate the 16 victims who perished in the Utumishi fire tragedy.

The requiem mass, held on Friday in Gilgil, brought together mourners, government officials, religious leaders and local residents to honour the young lives lost and pay their final respects.

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