Philanthropist Ndungu Nyoro has expressed relief after confirming that two students he sponsors at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county, survived the devastating dormitory fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026. The school has been at the centre of national concern after the blaze left parents, guardians, and the wider public anxious about the fate of learners.
According to TUKO.co.ke, Nyoro said he had spoken directly to the two girls after the incident and established that they were both safe. He explained that one of the students had been in the block that caught fire, while the other was in a separate block. Nyoro also said his office reached out early in the morning to the mother of one of the girls, who had not initially known about the fire and was able to get to the school shortly afterwards. He added that the other student’s guardian was unable to make it to the school at the time.
Nyoro further described the girls as shaken by the tragedy and said they had spent the night in the open without food. He expressed hope that they would be served breakfast so they could begin regaining their strength. In his remarks, he also said the entire school community would likely need counselling, including students, teachers, and other staff members, given the emotional toll of the disaster.
The fire has been one of the most painful school tragedies reported in recent times. Reports show that at least 16 students died in the inferno, while 79 others were injured. The blaze reportedly broke out at around 2 a.m, when many learners were asleep, and the government later disclosed that 808 students were in the school at the time. Of the injured, 71 were treated and discharged, seven remained hospitalized, and one student was taken home by her parents.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief, solidarity, and calls for support for affected families. Nyoro’s relief at finding two of his sponsored students safe has offered a small moment of comfort amid the wider heartbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy.