Government Issues Fresh Directives to Boarding Schools After Utumishi Fire Incident

The Ministry of Education has ordered a fresh inspections in all boarding schools across the country to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect learners.

Speaking during Elimu Mashinani in Wajir, Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated  that education officers have been directed to conduct thorough inspections in all boarding institutions over the next 10 days starting June 2, 2026.

“We have directed our officers to do very thorough inspections in the next 10 days at all boarding schools to confirm afresh whether they are meeting the safety standards and give recommendations,” Bitok stated.

He also added that the inspections will assess whether schools are adhering to the government’s safety requirements, including measures aimed at safeguarding students in dormitories and other school facilities.

School Safety Checks Begin as PS Julius Bitok Orders Inspection of All Boarding Schools

The PS further revealed that the ministry had previously held meetings with education field officers, principals and directors of education, where he emphasised the need for strict adherence to safety standards in learning institutions.

“Strictly speaking, I had a meeting with all the field officers, giving them firm instructions that they must stick to the safety standards of the schools. I also had a meeting with all the principals and directors of education, and I told them this is a very delicate time. Unfortunately, some principals did not listen,” Bitok said.

Also Read: CCTV Footage Reveals How Utumishi Girls Fire Was Started and Students’ Movements Afterwards

He noted that despite repeated warnings from the ministry, some school administrators had failed to fully implement the required safety measures, exposing learners to potential risks.

Bitok further reiterated that once the inspection exercise is completed, the ministry will take actions against any school, principal or teacher found to be endangering students through non-compliance with safety regulations.

“And we are going to take very serious actions against any principal, any school, any teacher that deliberately violates the safety standards,” he added.

16 Students Killed After Dormitory Catches Fire in Utumishi Girls

This initiative comes shortly after a deadly fire broke out at a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, claiming the lives of 16 students and leaving several others injured.

Also Read: CCTV Footage Reveals Students Behind Utumishi Fire That Killed 16

 The incident has sparked renewed concerns over safety standards in boarding schools, particularly regarding dormitory occupancy, emergency preparedness, and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Among the concerns raised following the tragedy were allegations of overcrowding in the dormitory that caught fire where it had housed more students than its intended capacity, with some learners sleeping in the hallways instead of designated cubicles.

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Education CS Julius Ogamba flanked by other leaders, PS Education Julius Bitok and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaking at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. PHOTO/ NPS