… ss the country, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety measures in learning institutions to prevent similar tragedies.Yesterday, during the memorial service attended by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika …
… The First Lady arrived at the stadium accompanied by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, religious leaders and other senior government officials. …
Girls who killed colleagues must be held responsible; Kihika says on Utumishi Girls fire By Roy Ouma June 03, 2026 12:02 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Governor Susan Kihika addresses Nakuru residents duri …
… Waiguru acknowledged the unease caused by the fallout and appealed for unity moving forward.Her remarks were echoed by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who urged the region to consolidate support behind President Ruto. …
Audio By VocalizeNakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has dismissed Governor Susan Kihika's claims that the poor service delivery at the Naivasha Level IV Hospital was due to the accrued debt by the Social Health Authority (SHA). …
… Governor Susan Kihika said no child with special needs, disabilities, or from vulnerable backgrounds should be denied education, noting that learning remains the most effective tool for transforming lives and promoting self-reliance. …
A joint memorial service was held at Gilgil Stadium in Nakuru County for 15 schoolgirls who died in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School two weeks prior. The ceremony, attended by hundreds of mourners including the First Lady and government officials, saw families honour the departed students amid renewed calls for stricter fire safety enforcement in learning institutions.
Why it matters
The memorial service for 15 girls killed at Utumishi Girls Academy remains a defining tragedy demanding continued attention to school safety and institutional accountability.
A joint memorial service was held at Gilgil Stadium in Nakuru County for 15 schoolgirls who died in a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School two weeks prior. The ceremony, attended by hundreds of mourners including the First Lady and government officials, saw families honour the departed students amid renewed calls for stricter fire safety enforcement in learning institutions.
Former Deputy Inspector General Edward Mbugua, founder of Utumishi Girls Academy, has proposed abolishing boarding schools in Kenya and converting dormitories into laboratories and workshops. Speaking at a memorial service for sixteen Utumishi Girls High School students who died in a dormitory fire on May 27, Mbugua urged the government and education stakeholders to transition toward day schooling and strengthen local schools to prevent similar tragedies.
President William Ruto did not attend a national memorial service in Gilgil, Nakuru County, for 16 students who died in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire; First Lady Rachel Ruto led the ceremony alongside senior government officials instead, while the President hosted grassroots leaders from Marsabit County at State House.
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika has called on law enforcement to hold those involved in an arson attack at Utumishi Girls responsible for the deaths of 16 learners, and urged parents to take responsibility for their children's discipline.
Gloria Orwoba criticized the government for proceeding with the National Prayer Breakfast while a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County killed 16 learners and injured 79 others. She argued the event should have been cancelled in honour of the deceased and accused the government of failing to implement school safety measures despite previous tragedies.
The Education and Interior Cabinet Secretaries said the government will review compliance with the school safety manual as investigations into a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County continue. The officials said investigators are yet to establish the cause of the blaze.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called for the Mt. Kenya region to honor its political commitment to support President William Ruto, arguing that maintaining the pledge made during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure is essential to preserve the region's credibility and bargaining power in national politics.
Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja dismissed Governor Susan Kihika's claims that poor service delivery at Naivasha Level IV Hospital was due to SHA debt, saying the county had collected over sh.1.8 B from hospitals last year but failed to reinvest into facilities as required by law. Karanja also criticized the governor for what she called misuse of county funds through cash handouts to residents during political engagements.
Nakuru County Government has prioritized children with special needs in its 2026 bursary allocations, with Governor Susan Kihika announcing that bursary funding has increased from Sh440 million to Sh447 million in the 2025/2026 financial year. More than 57,000 students across various educational institutions will benefit, and 69 students from all 11 sub-counties have been awarded full scholarships.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika disclosed that the Social Health Authority owes Naivasha Level 4 Hospital Sh102 million, following public demonstrations against poor services. The admission comes amid widespread complaints from teachers, civil servants, and private hospitals over SHA dysfunction, including unpaid claims and service disruptions across multiple counties.