A fire at Tarakwo High School in Bomet County has heightened concerns over school safety in Kenya, becoming the fifth reported school fire since the devastating blaze at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of sixteen students and left dozens injured.
The latest incident occurred on Monday night, prompting an emergency response from the Kenya Red Cross. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident has raised alarm over deepening school fire crisis in learning institutions across the country.
Kenya Red Cross Responds to Bomet School Fire
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that its emergency teams were deployed to the school immediately after the fire was reported.
“Last night, Kenya Red Cross responded to a school fire at Tarakwo High School in Bomet County. This is now the fifth fire incident since the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy fire.”
The humanitarian organization said assessment teams remain on the ground to evaluate the extent of the damage and provide support to affected students, staff, and the surrounding community.
“We are on the ground in Bomet to assess needs and support the community.”
Thirty-Seven School Fires Reported in 2026
The latest blaze adds to a growing list of school fire incidents reported across the country this year.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, emergency responders have handled 37 school fire incidents since the beginning of 2026, affecting institutions in multiple counties.
“Since the beginning of the year, Kenya Red Cross has responded to 37 school fire incidents across multiple counties.”
The figures underscore the scale of the challenge facing education authorities and school administrators as they work to safeguard learners.
The Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which left at least 16 students dead and dozens injured, has become a focal point in the national conversation about boarding school safety and emergency preparedness.
While investigations into that incident continue, the rise in school fires has placed additional pressure on the Ministry of Education to enhance compliance audits and ensure institutions adhere to the national school safety manual.
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