Utumishi Girls Academy has reopened more than a month after a devastating dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students, with learning resuming under enhanced safety measures as investigations into the tragedy continue.

The school, located in Gilgil, Nakuru County, officially resumed operations on Thursday, July 2, following weeks of consultations involving the Ministry of Education, school management and parents. The reopening marks the first phase of the school’s recovery after one of the country’s deadliest boarding school fires in recent years.

According to education authorities, the reopening is being conducted in phases to allow students to return in an orderly manner while temporary accommodation and additional safety measures remain in place. Form Four students were the first to report back to school to minimise disruption to preparations for this year’s national examinations, with the remaining learners expected to resume classes in subsequent phases.

The school had remained closed since May 28, when a fire broke out in one of its dormitories shortly after midnight. The blaze spread rapidly through the building, killing 16 students and injuring 79 others. The incident shocked the nation and renewed concerns over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools.

Before approving the reopening, education officials said temporary boarding facilities were inspected to ensure they met the required safety standards. Authorities have also introduced additional fire prevention measures, emergency preparedness procedures and psychosocial support programmes to help students and staff cope with the trauma caused by the tragedy.

School management said counselling services will continue to be provided to learners, teachers and affected families as the institution works towards restoring normal operations.

The reopening comes as criminal investigations into the fire remain active.

Authorities have indicated that the blaze is being treated as suspected arson. On July 1, eight students from the school appeared before the High Court in Nairobi, where they pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of murder in connection with the fire. The case is expected to proceed through the judicial process as prosecutors continue presenting evidence.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of safety standards in boarding schools across the country, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, regular inspections of school infrastructure and improved emergency response systems.

Parents have largely welcomed the resumption of learning but continue to express concern over student accommodation following the destruction of the dormitory. During consultations held before the reopening, several parents urged the government to expedite the construction of permanent boarding facilities and ensure all buildings comply with fire safety requirements before students fully return to normal boarding arrangements.

Education officials have maintained that learner safety remains the government’s priority and that the reopening followed comprehensive assessments of the school’s readiness. They also noted that temporary facilities will remain in use only as reconstruction plans progress.

The Ministry of Education has pledged to work closely with the school administration and other stakeholders to support the affected students while overseeing the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure.

The tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy has become one of the most significant school safety incidents in Kenya in recent years, reigniting national debate on dormitory safety, emergency preparedness and the need for stronger enforcement of regulations designed to protect learners in boarding institutions.

As classes resume, the school begins the difficult task of rebuilding both its infrastructure and its community, while investigations and court proceedings continue to determine responsibility for the fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.