Parents Revolt Against Utumishi Girls’ Academy Reopening After Deadly Dorm Fire That Killed 16 Students
Parents of students at Utumishi Girls’ Academy have strongly opposed the school’s planned reopening on June 30, insisting that critical safety concerns surrounding the devastating dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students must be addressed before any learner returns to class.
In a strongly worded letter dated Saturday, June 27, and addressed to the school’s administration as well as the Nakuru County Director of Education, the parents accused the institution of prioritising logistical preparations over accountability and the welfare of the surviving students.
The parents argue that while the administration has already announced a phased reopening programme, many of the questions surrounding one of Kenya’s deadliest school tragedies remain unanswered.
“We respectfully request that the reopening of the school be suspended until all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, parents, and school management, engage in a comprehensive consultative meeting,” the letter states.
The parents outlined four key demands that they insist must be fulfilled before students are allowed back into the institution.
Foremost among them is a comprehensive safety inspection of all dormitories and school facilities to confirm they are safe for occupation following the fatal inferno.
They are also demanding professional psychosocial counselling and mental health support for all students affected by the tragedy, arguing that many learners are still grappling with trauma after witnessing the horrific incident.
In addition, the parents are calling for administrative accountability regarding the circumstances that led to the deadly fire, as well as a detailed explanation of the school’s emergency preparedness measures.
Specifically, they want clarity on dormitory emergency exits, evacuation procedures, and door-locking policies to reassure families that a similar tragedy cannot occur again.
The parents have given the school administration a 24-hour ultimatum to respond to their concerns, warning that failure to engage meaningfully will leave them with no option but to keep their daughters at home.
“We shall not release our children back to school until these issues are adequately addressed,” the parents warned.
Despite the concerns, the school administration has maintained that learning will resume in phases beginning June 30.
According to a notice issued to parents, Form Four students are scheduled to report first on June 30, followed by Grade 10 students on July 2, while Form Three learners are expected back on July 4.
The planned reopening comes nearly a month after the institution was closed on May 28 in the aftermath of the deadly dormitory fire. The closure was ordered by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to allow investigators to establish the cause of the incident while counselling services were provided to affected students and staff.
Meanwhile, investigations into the tragedy have progressed, with suspects believed to have been involved in starting the fire remaining in custody after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved murder charges against them.
As pressure mounts from grieving families demanding answers and stronger safety guarantees, the planned reopening now faces growing uncertainty.
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