Prof. Manyora Alleges What the Govt is Not Telling Kenyans About Utumishi Fire Tragedy (VI)

Senior political commentator and analyst Professor Herman Manyora has alleged what President William Ruto's administration is not telling Kenyans about what exactly happened at Utumishi Girls High school.

According to Manyora's satisfied sentiments, Kenyans want to know exactly what exactly happened before the incident happened.

Before the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County on May 28, 2026, that claimed 16 lives, Kenyans particularly parents, educators, and civil society had been vocally demanding urgent reforms from the government regarding boarding school safety and management.

For years, repeated dormitory fires across the country, often linked to arson by disgruntled students protesting poor living conditions, overcrowding, harsh discipline, inadequate food, and exam pressures, highlighted systemic failures.

Citizens pushed for strict enforcement of the Ministry of Education's safety manuals, including mandatory emergency exits, functional fire alarms, extinguishers, reduced student capacities in dorms, and regular quality assurance audits to prevent negligence by school administrators and standards officers.

Many demanded a comprehensive review or even abolition of the colonial-era boarding school system, arguing it isolates students, exacerbates mental health issues, and creates tinderbox environments where minor grievances escalate into violence.

Parents called for better disaster management training, unannounced inspections, prosecution of officials who certify unsafe facilities, and a shift toward day schooling to allow family oversight. 

Education stakeholders, including teacher unions like KUPPET, urged investment in infrastructure and psychosocial support rather than reactive promises after tragedies.

These demands reflected deep frustration over the government's pattern of forming inquiry commissions that deliver reports without meaningful implementation, leaving learners vulnerable despite known risks.

The Utumishi incident, allegedly sparked by grievances over exam changes and fees, amplified these long-standing calls for accountability and preventive action to safeguard Kenya's students.