Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has begun a phased reopening following the May dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.
Grade 10 learners resumed classes on Monday as the school implemented enhanced safety measures, temporary accommodation and psychosocial support for returning students.
The reopening comes as court proceedings continue against eight minors charged in connection with the fire, while calls for reforms in school safety and infrastructure continue to grow.
As learning resumes, attention remains focused on student safety, ongoing investigations, and reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in schools across Kenya.
Utumishi Girls Academy Implements Phased Return Following Tragedy
The school started its gradual reopening last week, with Form Four students reporting back on July 2 under heightened security and counselling programmes.
On Monday, July 6, Grade 10 learners returned to class as part of the second phase of the reopening plan.
School administrators have confirmed that Form Three students will report on July 9, completing the phased resumption of learning.
The staggered approach is intended to allow the school to strengthen safety measures while providing learners with personalized psychosocial support following the tragedy.
Reopening Schedule
| Student Group | Reporting Date |
|---|---|
| Form Four | July 2, 2026 |
| Grade 10 | July 6, 2026 |
| Form Three | July 9, 2026 |
School Reopening Timeline
Dormitory Fire
│
▼
Counselling & Safety Measures
│
▼
Form Four Returns
│
▼
Grade 10 Resumes
│
▼
Form Three Returns
To accommodate returning learners, the school has established temporary dormitories after the Meline Waithera Block, where the fire occurred, was sealed off as a crime scene pending investigations.
Court Case Continues as Debate Over School Safety Intensifies
Legal proceedings are continuing against eight minors accused of starting the fire.
The students face 16 murder charges, which they have denied, and remain at the Kabete Children's Remand Home awaiting a bail ruling scheduled for September 22, 2026.
Justice Diana Kavedza directed that the accused be referred to as "subject minors" throughout the proceedings and noted that the case is likely to take considerable time because of its complexity.
The court also ordered close supervision of the minors while in remand, including restrictions on access to mobile phones and television, while directing parents to ensure they receive counselling support.
The upcoming bail decision will be guided by a probation report prepared after consultations with families of the victims, school officials, investigators and the accused minors.
Tragedy Renews Calls for Education Reforms
The deadly fire has reignited national debate over student safety, school infrastructure and increasing cases of unrest in learning institutions.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo described the incident as a collective failure involving families, schools, government and society.
He called for Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the growing number of school unrest incidents across the country.
Amollo also argued that the 100 per cent transition policy, without corresponding investment in school infrastructure, has contributed to overcrowding and heightened safety risks.
He cited images showing beds placed along corridors and near emergency exits in the affected dormitory as evidence of the urgent need for improved planning and infrastructure in Kenyan schools.
The phased reopening of Utumishi Girls Academy marks an important step toward restoring learning, but the tragedy continues to shape national conversations about student welfare, school safety standards, and the need for long-term reforms to protect learners.
