Education CS Migos Ogamba confirms the death of 16 students at Utumishi Girls' Academy: Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has confirmed the tragic death of 16 students at Utumishi Girls' Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, after a devastating dormitory fire. The incident also left 79 students hospitalized, with 7 remaining admitted. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched a probe into the fire incident, with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and DCI boss Mohamed Amin arriving at the scene. A parent at the school received a distress call at 3am reporting the fire, while information regarding the cause remains scarce. Parents and relatives are demanding better enforcement of disaster management protocols in boarding schools, with some calling for accountability. President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto have sent messages of condolence to the affected families, while Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has expressed her sentiments on the tragedy. Matatu drivers accuse government of excluding them from fuel talks: Matatu operators in Kenya are protesting their exclusion from recent government discussions concerning fuel prices and their impact on the transport sector. Drivers and conductors have expressed dissatisfaction over diminishing revenue and exclusion from crucial discussions regarding the fuel crisis. The ongoing nationwide industrial action is disrupting public transportation across the country. 16 Killed in Utumishi Girls Academy Dormitory Fire: A devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County has resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 students and injuries to 79 others. The incident occurred around 12:45 am. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba ordered the midday release of students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil and urged parents to report through a government hotline. A parent alleges a locked emergency door worsened the tragedy. Senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Murkomen and Ogamba, along with Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, convened a crisis meeting at the school. Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged the Kenyan government to implement urgent safety reforms in schools. Trump Directs U.S. Military to Build Ebola Quarantine Facility in Kenya in 7 Days: The United States Military is rapidly setting up a $50-bed quarantine facility in central Kenya within one week to house Americans exposed to Ebola. This directive follows the rapid spread of the virus in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no Ebola cases will be permitted into the United States. The Law Society of Kenya has strongly rejected a reported proposal to establish an Ebola treatment centre in Kenya for patients from other countries. Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that any agreements with foreign nations concerning the handling of individuals exposed to Ebola must adhere strictly to Kenyan law and public health regulations. Families demand justice after autopsies confirm gunshot deaths in Molo and Busia protests: Grief and anger are mounting as families of three victims from last week's fuel price protests in Molo demand justice, with autopsies confirming the deceased died from excessive bleeding due to gunshot wounds sustained during the demonstrations. Millie Odhiambo, a Member of Parliament, has urgently called for increased funding to bolster efforts in protecting women and children following a surge in reported killings. Meanwhile, years after devastating floods, over 600 families in Busia County continue to reside in internal displacement camps, facing prolonged hardship. KeNHA Issues 30-Day Demolition Notice to Traders on Key Roads: The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 30-day demolition notice to traders and developers along key roads in Western and Rift Valley regions, targeting all unauthorized structures within road reserves. Nairobi County has announced a six-month grace period for developers to regularise unauthorised but structurally sound buildings, with strict enforcement including demolitions beginning after December. One armed suspect has been arrested in Jamhuri, Nairobi, following a foiled robbery attempt. Families raise alarm as cases of missing children continue across the country: Families across Kenya are expressing grave concern as a disturbing trend of missing children continues, leaving many in a desperate search for their loved ones. In Kayole area of Nairobi, a local family is desperately searching for their 17-year-old child amid a wave of missing child reports. However, some cases have been resolved, with two missing children safely found and reunited with their family in Nairobi. Meanwhile, girls in Budalang'i camp are reportedly facing sexual exploitation due to poverty, highlighting the vulnerability of children in disadvantaged communities. Junior Starlets aim to advance in U-17 World Cup qualifiers against Uganda: Kenya's Junior Starlets are preparing to face Uganda in the U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium, aiming to secure a victory to advance in the crucial tournament. The team secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg, giving them a slight advantage heading into the decisive return match in Nairobi. The team is feeling confident and intensifying training for this important fixture.
