Illustration of education leader advocating against boarding schools following school fire tragedy in Kenya
Illustration of education leader advocating against boarding schools following school fire tragedy in Kenya
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Kuppet chair calls for scrapping boarding schools after utumishi tragedy

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KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba has urged the government to abolish boarding schools in Kenya following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that killed 16 students.

Milemba made the call during an engagement on Friday, May 29, 2026. He said parents could monitor their children at home and avoid congested dormitories.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba ordered the dissolution of the school’s Board of Management and directed disciplinary action against the principal and two teachers. Investigations revealed safety lapses including a locked exit door and dormitory congestion.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is holding eight learners as persons of interest while probes continue. The fire was confirmed as intentional according to preliminary reports.

What people are saying

X users reacted to the Utumishi tragedy by echoing calls to abolish boarding schools due to recurring fire risks and poor dormitory conditions. Media accounts shared quotes from KUPPET chair Milemba urging scrapping of the system. Some users described dorms as prison-like and advocated for day schools only. A petition for ending boarding facilities was promoted amid safety concerns.

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