The government though the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has urged the public and media to protect the dignity and privacy of learners affected by the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County
In a press statement released on Thursday, May 28, and signed by the Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, the Ministry expressed profound sorrow following the devastating fire that resulted in loss of lives and injuries among students.
“The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, through the State Department for Children Services, expresses profound sorrow following the tragic fire incident reported at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School, which has regrettably resulted in loss of lives and injuries among learners,” the statement read in part.
In her appeal to the public, Cheptumo cautioned against circulating sensitive content related to the tragedy.
“We urge the public and media to uphold the dignity, privacy, and protection of affected children and families by avoiding the sharing of graphic images, identities of minors, or unverified information relating to the incident,” she said.
The Ministry further confirmed that it is working closely with the Ministry of Education, county authorities, emergency response teams, the Kenya Red Cross and other stakeholders in ongoing investigations and safety assessments.
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Cheptumo emphasised the need to strengthen school safety standards and emergency preparedness systems in learning institutions across the country to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“The Ministry reiterates the importance of enforcing school safety standards, strengthening emergency preparedness systems, and enhancing child safeguarding mechanisms in all learning institutions across the country,” the statement added.
She also revealed that emergency child protection mechanisms have already been activated in line with the Children Act, 2022, to support affected children and families during the difficult period.
According to the statement, Children Officers and Child Protection personnel have been deployed to coordinate urgent interventions, including safeguarding affected learners, family tracing and reunification, and provision of emergency child protection services.
“The government is also coordinating psychosocial support and trauma counselling services for survivors, bereaved families, teachers and first responders to aid emotional recovery and mental well-being.” She noted
The CS assured affected families of continued support, including educational continuity and long-term recovery interventions, promising that further updates would be communicated through official government channels.
By Victor Ocholla
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