Government Announces Sh200,000 Compensation for Families Affected by Utumishi Girls Academy Fire
The government has announced a Sh200,000 relief package for each family that lost a loved one in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire in Gilgil.
Government pledges Sh200,000 relief package for each family affected by the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy. Photo/courtesy
By Joseph Mburu
The government has announced a relief package of Sh200,000 for each family that lost a loved one in the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during a media briefing and through an official statement issued from Nairobi.
Mwaura said the government remains committed to supporting the affected families and the wider school community as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
“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,” Mwaura said.
“This is a deeply painful moment for the nation, and no words can adequately ease the pain of the families who have lost their loved ones,” he added.
In addition to the financial assistance, the government pledged to cover all funeral-related expenses for the victims. The support package includes mortuary fees, provision of coffins, transportation of bodies, and the costs associated with a memorial or requiem service to be held at the school.
“The State will facilitate funeral arrangements to ensure families are not burdened by the financial costs arising from this tragedy,” Mwaura stated.
The government has also undertaken to settle all medical bills for the 79 students who sustained injuries during the incident and are receiving treatment at St. Joseph Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital.
“We are committed to ensuring that all injured students receive the medical care they need without their families having to worry about treatment costs,” the spokesperson said.
Mwaura further assured the public that the government would continue working closely with the bereaved families, survivors, and the school community throughout the recovery process.
“We will remain engaged with the affected families and the entire school community as they heal and rebuild following this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The announcement comes as the nation continues to mourn the victims of one of the deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years, with investigations into the cause of the blaze still ongoing.
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