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Utumishi Girls Academy is set to reopen its doors for students resumption after a fatal dormitory fire.
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Nakuru County Director of Education Victoria Mulili confirmed the government’s decision to reopen the institution, saying the move followed a meeting involving the school board, Ministry of Education officials, and a team from the National Disaster Operations Committee.
Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, is set to reopen its doors in a staggered resumption beginning June 30, 2026; one month after a dormitory fire claimed 16 lives.
In a notice issued to parents outlining the reporting dates: Form Four students are expected back on Tuesday, June 30; Grade 10 students on Thursday, July 2; and Form Three students on Saturday, July 4. Parents were advised to accompany their children on the respective dates.
Nakuru County Director of Education Victoria Mulili confirmed the government’s decision to reopen the institution, saying the move followed a meeting involving the school board, Ministry of Education officials, and a team from the National Disaster Operations Committee.
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“We felt the need to have the learners resume their sdudies as time was not on their side,” Mulili said.
However, a section of parents moved swiftly to oppose the decision. On June 27, 2026, the aggrieved parents issued the school administration a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding a full independent safety inspection, comprehensive trauma counselling for all returning students, and a clear crisis management roadmap before their daughters set foot back on campus.
The school had been closed by Ministry of Education (MoE) on May 28, 2026, the day of the tragedy, to allow investigations into the incident and enable affected students to undergo counselling following the trauma they experienced.
By Benedict Aoya
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