Architects Propose Overhaul of Dorm Safety Rules After Utumishi Fire Tragedy

The fatal school fire has been linked to failures in following the Ministry of Education’s safety guidelines...

✨ Key Highlights

Following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that killed 16 students, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has proposed new safety regulations for school dormitories.

A core principle is that "No dormitory should be occupied unless every child can escape quickly, safely, and without needing a key during an emergency."
The proposal was authored by Architect Tuesday Gichuki and published on June 2.
Recommendations include at least two separate, outward-opening exits per dormitory, mandatory fire safety systems, regular fire drills, and strict adherence to electrical safety standards.

Continue Reading

Read the complete article from Kenyans

📰 Read Full Article

Part of the Day's Coverage

Nine Utumishi Students Remanded for 21 Days Over Dorm Fire - June 2026

Nine students from Utumishi Girls' Senior School have been remanded for 21 days following a dormitory fire that killed 16 of their schoolmates, as investigations intensify into the tragedy. The Consortium of Secondary Schools Alumni Associations of Kenya (COSSAAK) is demanding a nationwide audit of dormitory safety and emergency escape systems in all boarding schools. The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has also proposed new safety regulations for school dormitories in response to the fire. This comes as fires have broken out in schools across Kenya, prompting a critical examination of accountability measures within educational institutions.