Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed that all students at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, be released to their parents following the tragic school fire that killed 16 learners.
Speaking to the press on Thursday morning, Ogamba said the students would begin leaving the school with their parents by midday once authorities complete the process of accounting for every learner after the incident.
“We will also be releasing learners with their parents who are here during the course of the day. The cause of the fire is yet to be known, with investigations ongoing,” the CS said.
The tragedy has left parents, teachers and residents in shock as government officials continue efforts to establish what caused the deadly fire.
At the same time, Ogamba urged parents to work closely with emergency teams as authorities continue tracing and confirming the whereabouts of all students.
The CS announced that the government had activated hotline number 1199 to help parents share information, especially those who may have already left with their children shortly after the incident.
“Investigations are ongoing, and there is a hotline number 1199 to which we ask the parents to keep reporting, especially those who left with their kids when they came earlier, and that hotline number will also be available for counselling,” he stated.
The hotline will also offer counselling support to affected students, parents and families following the tragedy.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing.
