The government has announced a compensation package for families affected by the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, with each bereaved household set to receive Sh200,000.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the State will extend the financial support to all 16 families who lost students in the incident, as well as the family of a parent who died in a separate road accident while rushing to the school after the tragedy.
Mwaura also confirmed that the government will cover all medical expenses for more than 79 students who were injured and hospitalized following the fire. Several of the students were referred for specialized treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.\
“The government continues to stand in solidarity with the families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community following the tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent, while leaving several others injured,” he said.
He added that all funeral-related costs, including mortuary services, transport of the remains, coffins, and memorial arrangements, will be fully catered for by the State.
“The government is committed to meeting all medical expenses incurred at both hospitals and paying Sh200,000 to each bereaved family, including the family of the parent who tragically lost her life while coming to pick her child,” Mwaura stated.
The announcement comes as the process of identifying the 16 students through DNA testing has been completed, paving the way for burial arrangements after days of uncertainty for grieving families. Authorities confirmed that the severity of the blaze made visual identification impossible.
Only one family has so far received the remains of their child, with the body of Zahara Rama released for burial in Kwale County following positive DNA identification.
However, the remaining families are still awaiting the release of their loved ones, as authorities plan a joint requiem mass scheduled for June 17, ahead of the burials.
The arrangement has drawn mixed reactions, with some families expressing concern over delays and the emotional strain caused by prolonged waiting periods.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing as authorities seek to establish what led to the deadly incident.
