Government Offers KSh 200,000 to Bereaved Families in Third Update on Utumishi Girls Academy Fire

The Office of the Government Spokesperson released its third update on the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on 6 June 2026. The statement was signed by Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Maigua Mwaura, CBS.

The fire at the girls’ boarding school in Nakuru County claimed 16 students and one parent. Several other students sustained injuries. The academy sits roughly 120 kilometres northwest of Nairobi.

In the latest communication, the government repeated its solidarity with the affected families and the wider school community. It described the tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the nation and said no words can adequately ease the grief still felt by those who lost loved ones.

The update directly addressed claims appearing in some media outlets that the government had failed to honour earlier pledges. It stated that the National Government, working with the County Government, remains fully committed to all promises made. Administrative and legal processes are in motion to complete the commitments.

Since the incident, the government has carried out a number of concrete interventions. Injured students were moved from St. Joseph Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital. The airlift allowed access to specialised treatment. All medical expenses at both facilities have been covered.

Each bereaved family will receive KSh 200,000. The payment extends to the family of the parent who lost her life while travelling to the school to pick up her child.

Funeral support has also been arranged. This covers mortuary charges, coffins and transportation of the deceased. A requiem mass will be held at Utumishi Girls Academy. The date remains to be announced.

A multi-agency team continues to coordinate the response on the ground. The National Disaster Operations Centre leads the effort, joined by other government representatives. Their role is to ensure the interventions reach the families and that implementation stays on track.

The statement stressed that supporting the recovery of the injured and securing dignified final rites for those who died remain national priorities. The government said it will continue to stand with the families as they navigate the period of loss.

The update closed with a short message in Swahili that called for national unity and patriotism in the face of the tragedy.

This is the third formal communication since the fire occurred in late May. Earlier statements covered initial rescue operations and preliminary relief. The latest one turns to the practical steps now being taken to meet longer-term needs of the families.

The compensation of KSh 200,000 per family is intended to ease immediate financial pressure at a time when many households are still dealing with burial arrangements and emotional strain. Full coverage of medical bills at the two hospitals removes another layer of burden from relatives already under stress.

By taking responsibility for mortuary, coffin and transport costs, the government has reduced the logistical load on grieving families. Holding the requiem mass at the school itself will give the Utumishi community space to gather and remember together.

The National Disaster Operations Centre’s involvement brings structured coordination across different agencies. This approach aims to prevent gaps in the delivery of support to those directly affected.

Families continue to mourn while the school community adjusts to the loss. The government has said its focus stays on walking alongside them through the coming weeks and months.