A fire incident was reported at University of Nairobi’s (UoN) main campus on the night of Wednesday, January 16, 2025.
UoN Head of Communications John Orindi confirmed the incident but mentioned that the cause of the fire was still unknown.
“A fire has been reported in a section of the University of Nairobi. Firefighters are at the scene. Efforts to put it out are underway,” Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Firefighters arrived at the institution and worked to bring the fire under control.
However, in an update at midnight, Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the fire had been contained without any casualties.
The Agency added that the fire affected parts of Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block.
“The Nairobi Fire Team has successfully contained the fire, which affected parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported,” the Agency said.
Videos on social media showed the intense blaze, with smoke and flames visible across the campus.
University of Nairobi Update
Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Francis Mulaa has confirmed that a fire broke out at the Taifa Hall causing huge damage to the building.
Mulaa said the fire started in the kitchen of a restaurant within the structure before it spread out to other areas.
“We had a fire incident at the Mahatma Gandhi Wing specifically the Senior Common Room which then affected the Chancellors pallor which is adjacent. The fire was so intense and consumed the two structures,” Mulaa said.
“These are historical structures dating back to when the university was constructed. Most of the structures Is made of old timber and that constituted to the acceleration of the fire.”
Mula added that a new fire was detected by security at about 5am on January 16.
He said no injuries were reported but property of unknown value was burnt down.
Also Read: UoN Breaks Silence Over 200 Students Missing Graduation List One Day to Ceremony
Facilities at UoN Main Campus
The University of Nairobi’s main Campus is located a few meters from the city’s Central Business District. It hosts the institution’s main offices, including finance and administration.
Notably, some of the public facilities next to UoN include the Central Police Station and the Nairobi County Fire Department.
The Vice Chancellor’s Office is also domiciled at main campus.
Gandhi Wing is popular at the UoN, named after Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian Independence movement lawyer.
At the same time, the UoN Tower, 844 Building, Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library and Taifa Hall are some of the key facilities at the main Campus, including SONU offices.
There were concerns that the fire broke out weeks to the examination at Kenya’s premier public university.
Most universities across the country reopened on January 13 for the second semester before students break for long holidays.
It is important to note that the university of Nairobi has been embroiled in leadership wrangles following the unceremonious ouster of Prof. Stephen Kiama as the Vice Chancellor.
The current acting VC is Prof. Margaret Jesang.
UoN’s status has been dwindling over the years, with some recent rankings placing it below Kenyatta University, which began as a constituent college of UoN back in the days.
Also Read: Margret Jesang Hutchinson Profile: Educational Background, Career and Age
Leaders Comments on University of Nairobi Fire
Political leaders called on the emergency response team to react and put out the fire before it destroys major parts of the block.
Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi said “Fire breaks out at UON. My alma mater is the only varsity with prefix ‘The’. Formerly Royal technical college of East Africa. Let’s have a speedy response to it. Kenya needs a renaissance!”
In a statement at 11:19pm, digital communication strategist Pauline Njoroge said firefighters were already at the scene.
“Woi! Praying that the fire at UoN will be contained within the shortest time possible! Firefighters are currently at the scene,” she said.
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