Eight students arrested over Kenya school fire that killed 16

Kenyan police have arrested eight students in connection with a suspected arson attack that killed 16 children and injured 79 others at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County. The devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning, severely damaging the upper floor of a two-story dormitory. The building housed 135 bunk beds, with the fire affecting 12 cubicles.

Director of criminal investigations stated that preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in the planning and execution of the suspected arson. Intensive interviews with students and staff, along with reviews of CCTV footage and forensic evidence, are underway to determine the fire's cause, which remains unknown.

Relatives gathered at the school, anxiously awaiting news of their children. The Utumishi Girls Academy is linked to the National Police Service, with many pupils being children of officers. All 16 recovered bodies have been moved to the mortuary for identification.

Kenya has a history of devastating school fires, often attributed to arson by students. A 2001 dormitory fire killed 67 pupils, and a 2024 fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy claimed the lives of 21 boys. Following the 2024 incident, the government promised nationwide school safety audits and prosecutions, though the implementation of these measures remains unclear. The education ministry has reportedly closed around 350 schools since 2024 for failing to meet safety standards.

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Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack.