Kenya's Compassion: Government Compensates Utumishi Girls Fire Victims
A dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy tragically killed 16 students and a parent, while hospitalizing many more. The government has pledged Sh200,000 compensation per bereaved family, fully covered medical expenses, and funeral arrangements. While one victim has been buried, the release of other bodies faces delays due to a planned joint requiem mass amidst ongoing investigations.
A tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28 claimed the lives of 16 students and left over 79 others hospitalized. In addition, a parent lost her life in a road accident while rushing to the institution to check on her child. The government has announced a comprehensive compensation and support package for all affected families and students, with Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirming the State's unwavering commitment to the recovery efforts.
As part of the compensation, each of the 16 bereaved student families and the family of the deceased parent will receive Sh200,000. Furthermore, the government has pledged to cover the full cost of medical treatment for all students hospitalized after the incident. Many of these students initially received care at St Joseph Hospital before being airlifted to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment, with all associated expenses being borne by the State.
The government will also finance all funeral-related arrangements for the victims. This includes mortuary services, provision of coffins, transport of the remains, and the costs for a memorial or requiem service planned to be held at Utumishi Girls Academy at a later date. Mwaura firmly dismissed claims of the government failing to honor its commitments, insisting that all pledges are active and being processed through appropriate administrative and legal channels, in collaboration with the County Government.
The challenging process of identifying the 16 student victims was completed yesterday, more than a week after the tragedy. Due to the severe burns sustained, authorities relied on DNA analysis, collecting samples from relatives to establish the identities. This arduous process brought a measure of closure to grieving families who had endured days of uncertainty.
Following identification, the body of Zahara Rama was the first to be released to her Muslim family and transported to Kwale County for burial. Zahara was laid to rest on Sunday, adhering to Islamic traditions for prompt burial after her identity was confirmed. However, the release of the remaining 15 bodies has been delayed, sparking frustration among some parents. This delay is attributed to the government's plans to hold a joint requiem mass for all victims on June 17, an arrangement many families object to, citing prolonged suffering and additional burdens.
As families prepare for the difficult process of mourning and burial, investigations into the cause of the deadly fire continue to intensify.