Two teachers at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil were aware that a section of students had planned unrest before a deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 learners, Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.

Mr Ogamba said preliminary findings indicated that the teachers failed to take action despite receiving warnings, a development that has deepened scrutiny of what happened in the lead-up to the blaze.

“Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners,” he said in a statement. “However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand.”

The fire, which tore through a dormitory at the school, has been described by authorities as an act of arson based on early investigative conclusions. Police have detained several students as persons of interest as inquiries continue.

Mr Ogamba said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was questioning eight learners over their alleged involvement in planning and executing the attack.

“The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act,” he said, adding that those found responsible would face prosecution under Kenyan law.

The tragedy has also exposed what officials describe as serious lapses in school safety compliance.

According to the Education Ministry, initial inspections found overcrowding in the dormitory and at least one exit door that had been locked, contrary to safety regulations governing boarding schools.

Mr Ogamba said these conditions were being treated as possible contributing factors in the scale of the tragedy.

The fire left 79 students injured, many with burns and trauma-related injuries. Seven remain in hospital receiving treatment, while others have since been discharged.

The bodies of the deceased were transferred to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where authorities have begun identification procedures, including DNA testing.

Parents have been asked to report to the facility to assist with identification as investigators work to confirm the identities of the victims.

“Parents and guardians are therefore being directed to the facility for purposes of DNA testing,” Mr Ogamba said.

President William Ruto joined the nation in mourning, describing the incident as a national tragedy and expressing solidarity with affected families.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters,” he said in a statement. “No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise.”

The government has said its immediate focus remains on supporting survivors, assisting grieving families, and determining what caused the fire.

At the same time, pressure is mounting for answers on whether warnings were ignored and whether basic safety standards were enforced in a school that housed hundreds of boarding students.

Investigations are ongoing, and officials say further action will depend on the findings.