Fire Wreaks Havoc at University of Nairobi: Key Details [Photos]

Midnight Blaze Ravages University of Nairobi: Aftermath [Photos].

A devastating fire broke out at the University of Nairobi’s (UoN) main campus around midnight on Wednesday, January 15, causing significant damage to the iconic Taifa Hall and the Mahatma Gandhi Wing.

Taifa Hall, a renowned lecture and conference venue near the university’s old administration building, was engulfed in flames visible across the campus and even from the highway.

Firefighters initially contained the blaze after responding promptly to the scene.

However, the Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal later reported that the fire reignited around 5 a.m., necessitating the fire department’s return to the site.

Okal confirmed that no injuries were recorded, although extensive property damage occurred.

Uncertain Cause of the Fire

At the time of publishing, the exact cause of the fire remained under investigation. Preliminary reports suggested the fire started on the second floor of the Gandhi Wing before spreading.

Some speculation pointed to the Arziki Restaurant, located within the affected area, with suspicions that the blaze might have originated in the kitchen.

Aftermath of the Inferno

The fire left considerable damage in its wake, with large parts of the third floor severely affected.

The Senior Common Room was among the most damaged areas, its contents reduced to ashes. Exclusive photos obtained by Teachersupdates.news depicted a grim scene, including ashes scattered along stairways and extensive structural damage.

Fires in Educational Institutions

The UoN fire marks another incident in a growing trend of fires in Kenyan educational institutions.

Just a month earlier, a fire broke out at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on December 10. The blaze affected one of the students’ hostels, damaging property and displacing 88 students.

A report from JKUAT stated the fire originated on the hostel’s second floor, with ten students sustaining minor injuries.

The university expressed deep regret, noting that personal belongings and valuables were lost. Three of the injured students required extended observation at the university hospital.

Rising Concerns

With such incidents becoming increasingly common, authorities and educational institutions face mounting pressure to enhance fire safety measures.

Speaking about the UoN fire, Okal emphasized the urgency of addressing this growing challenge.

In the wake of the UoN tragedy, students preparing for examinations expressed concerns about their safety and the potential disruption of academic activities.

The situation underscores the need for robust fire prevention and emergency response strategies to protect life and property in Kenya’s institutions of higher learning.

Read Also: Universities Fund and HELB Appeal Court Ruling on New Funding Model

Summary Table of Recent Incidents

By addressing these incidents and their aftermath, institutions can work toward ensuring the safety of their students and staff while minimizing disruptions to academic progress.

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].