Emergency response efforts are ongoing at Utumishi Girls Academy following a fire incident that broke out at the school in Gilgil on Thursday morning, prompting the evacuation of several students.

According to a statement issued by the Kenya Red Cross Society, affected students have been evacuated from the institution and rushed to various hospitals for treatment as emergency teams work to contain the situation and provide assistance.

“Response efforts are ongoing at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County following a fire incident. Several students have been evacuated and are receiving treatment in various hospitals,” Kenya Red Cross said.

The humanitarian organization asserted that a multi-agency team comprising the County Fire Brigade, County Disaster Response Teams, National Police Service officers and the Kenya Red Cross was deployed to the scene to coordinate rescue and response operations.

The Kenya Red Cross also said it had mobilised first responders including E-PLUS Medical Services, tracing teams and psychosocial support personnel to assist affected students and provide support to their families.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage at the time of publication, as response operations continue and assessments still underway at the scene.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba are already at Utumishi Girls Academy as rescue and recovery operations continue following a fire incident at the institution.

At least 15 students are feared dead, according to initial reports, as emergency teams intensify efforts at the scene. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact casualty figures.