Kenya Red Cross Raises Alarm Over Rising School Fires As 47 Institutions Affected
News Updated: 12 June 2026 17:46 EAT
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The Kenya Red Cross has raised concern over a sharp rise in school fire incidents across the country, revealing that 47 schools have reported fire outbreaks since January 2026. The humanitarian agency said the trend continues to threaten learner safety and disrupt learning in many institutions.
According to data released by the organisation on June 12, at least 16 of the reported fire incidents occurred after the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, underscoring persistent safety challenges in schools.
The agency reported that 187 people have been treated for injuries linked to school fire incidents this year. Of these, 132 injuries were associated with the Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy, making it the most severe school fire incident recorded in 2026.
Kenya Red Cross noted that beyond the fire outbreaks, school disruptions have continued to rise. Data indicates that 104 schools have faced interruptions this year due to fires, student unrest and other safety-related incidents.
Student unrest remains a major concern, with 56 schools reportedly forced to close temporarily because of disturbances by learners. Education stakeholders have linked some of the fires to unrest in boarding institutions.
The latest figures represent an increase from the 37 school fire incidents that had been reported by early June. Recent cases have been recorded in several counties, including Bomet, Kisii and Makueni, prompting renewed calls for preventive measures.
The findings were released during a requiem mass in Gilgil for the 16 students who died in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire on May 28. The tragedy remains one of Kenya’s deadliest school fire incidents in recent years.
Authorities have launched investigations into the Utumishi fire, with police treating the incident as suspected arson. Several students have reportedly been identified as persons of interest as investigations continue.
Following the tragedy, the Ministry of Education ordered fresh inspections of boarding schools across the country to assess compliance with fire safety standards and identify potential risks.
The Kenya Red Cross has called for urgent action to strengthen school safety, emphasizing that every learner deserves a secure environment in which to study and grow. The organisation urged schools and authorities to prioritise fire prevention, emergency preparedness and adherence to safety regulations.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD