Families affected by the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil are now receiving support from the government following the tragedy that left several learners dead and others injured.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services said child protection and psychosocial support measures had already been activated to assist survivors, bereaved families, teachers and other people affected by the incident.
The ministry, through the State Department for Children Services, said the fire had caused loss of lives and injuries among students, leading to urgent intervention efforts.
According to the ministry, children officers and child protection personnel have been deployed to help coordinate emergency support services at the school and in affected communities.
The officers are expected to help safeguard learners, support family tracing and reunification, and ensure children affected by the tragedy receive the necessary protection and care.
The ministry also said psychosocial support and trauma counselling services are being organized for survivors, grieving families, teachers and first responders.
The counselling is meant to help those affected cope with the emotional impact of the tragedy and support their mental wellbeing during the difficult period.
Parents and guardians seeking information about their children are also expected to receive assistance through family support and information desks that are being set up as part of the response.
The ministry said the desks will help improve communication and support coordinated case management for affected families.
The State Department for Children Services further noted that it would continue working closely with other government agencies and partners during the ongoing response and investigations.
Among the agencies involved are the Ministry of Education, county authorities, emergency response teams and the Kenya Red Cross.
The ministry emphasized the need for stronger school safety measures and better emergency preparedness systems in learning institutions. It said the tragedy highlights the importance of improving child safeguarding mechanisms in line with the Children Act, 2022.
The ministry also appealed to the public and media to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected learners and families by avoiding the sharing of graphic images, identities of minors and unverified information related to the incident.
