At least 16 students were killed and dozens of others were injured when a fire broke out overnight in a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy, in Gilgil, Nakuru, Kenya, officials said on Thursday.

The blaze engulfed a dormitory block at the school, triggering panic as emergency responders rushed to rescue students trapped inside.

The tragedy prompted a major multi-agency emergency response involving police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and local authorities.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba described the incident as a tragic day for the country. He said the school had a total of 808 students at the time of incident and 79 were injured.

"We have 16 fatalities whose identities will be identified. The process of accounting is taking place," he said.

President William Ruto conveyed his condolences to the affected families, describing the incident as a national tragedy that had robbed the country of young lives filled with potential.

"No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future," he said in a post on X. "As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy."

The president said the government's immediate focus was on rescuing those affected, treating the injured, and supporting grieving families while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

The incident has highlighted concerns over safety standards in Kenya's boarding schools, where dormitory fires in previous years have also resulted in deaths and injuries among students.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com