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Official in Kenya says 16 students killed in an overnight fire at a girls’ school
Officials said 79 others were injured and rescue teams are still accounting for students as investigators examine the cause.
- On Thursday, May 28, 2026, a fire broke out at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, killing at least 16 students and injuring 79 others, according to government officials.
- President William Ruto declared three days of mourning while Education Minister Julius Ogamba ordered an urgent investigation into whether the school's fire safety manual was followed.
- Kenya Red Cross teams joined police in rescue operations as senior police commander Masoud Mwinyi described the situation as a "distressing and saddening situation" while distraught parents gathered outside seeking information.
- Eyewitnesses alleged one dormitory door remained closed during evacuation, forcing students to jump from windows; survivors reported this contributed significantly to the high casualty count.
- Kenya has experienced recurring deadly school fires, including a 2024 blaze at Hillside Endarasha Academy that killed 21 students, prompting ongoing government audits of nationwide school safety standards.
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Sixteen students died and 79 were injured in the fire in the middle of the night of a dormitory in a girls' boarding school in Kenya, the government announced on Thursday that the causes of the fire were unknown for the time.
·Montreal, Canada
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Sixteen students died and 79 were injured in the fire in the middle of the night of a dormitory in a girls' boarding school in Kenya, announced on 28 May 2026 the government, indicating that the causes of the fire were unknown for the time being.
·Paris, France
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The East African country has already experienced numerous deadly fires in the dormitories of its schools: more than a dozen have been recorded since 2024.
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources176
Leaning Left45Leaning Right25Center46Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 39%
C 40%
R 21%
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