Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy following a devastating dormitory fire that killed 16 students and left dozens injured in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Addressing the media on Friday May 29, CS Ogamba said the board had failed to ensure adherence to the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations, exposing students to serious risk.
The education CS cited alleged negligence and serious safety lapses at the school, including overcrowded dormitories and a reportedly locked emergency exit during the fire.
“The Board of Management of Utumishi Girls Academy has been dissolved for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations,” said Ogamba.
“The school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.”
He further disclosed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has began disciplinary action against the school principal and two teachers over alleged negligence.
CS Ogamba said that the the two teachers who failed to take action despite having been informed of the planned unrest will also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners. However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand,” Ogamba stated.
“The Teachers Service Commission has been apprised of these findings and is taking appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the Principal for failing to ensure compliance with the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.”
Julius Ogamba attributed the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy to an arson attack, revealing that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently holding and questioning eight learners linked to the incident.
He maintained that the government would take firm action against anyone found responsible for the tragedy.
“The 8 students are persons of interest in the investigation. The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act,” Ogamba disclosed.
Apart from the 16 learners who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, 79 others sustained injuries, with seven still admitted in hospital while the rest have since been discharged.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the bodies of the deceased students were transferred to the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and DNA identification as investigations into the incident continue.
