Parents of Kenya school fire victims await official identification

Families of the students killed in the dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Kenya, are waiting for officials to complete formal identification before the bodies are released.

At least 16 students died and 79 others were injured when fire tore through the girls' school on May 28, 2026. Officials have said many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, making DNA testing and other mortuary procedures necessary.

Authorities have also opened a hotline for parents and said they are working to account for all learners. Local reports on May 29 said only some of the victims had been positively identified by then, while the rest were still awaiting matching results.

What happened

The fire broke out in a dormitory at the school in Nakuru County and spread through the upper floor, according to official and local reporting. The bodies were taken to Naivasha mortuary pending post-mortems and formal identification.

Parents have been gathering at the school and at the mortuary as they wait for updates from officials.

What comes next

Kenyan authorities say the investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing. The release of the victims to their families depends on the completion of identification procedures, including DNA testing where needed.