A huge fire broke out and burnt down property of unknown worth at Kenyatta University (KU) Main campus. The fire, which broke out on Friday May 3, 2024, night, is reported to have razed the Kenyatta University Old Moi Library leaving a trail of destruction.
First witnesses at the scene who responded after the fire broke out appealed for help to contain the inferno which was at the time spreading fast.
Photos seen by The Kenya Times showed a huge fire razing down the library from a distance while others showed firefighter trucks arriving at the scene.
Following the appeal for help, firefighters were able to arrive at the scene and managed to contain the fire.
Kenyatta University issues statement
By the time of publishing this article, the cause of the inferno had not been established. However, KU in a statement on May 4, 2024, confirmed the incident noting that the inferno started at approximately 11:00 PM on the top floor of the Old Moi Library.
“Following the quick and coordinated efforts of KU fire marshals along with the invaluable support and cooperation from Kiambu County and the Kahawa Military Barracks Fire Brigades the blaze was swiftly contained,” read part of the statement.
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According to KU, the collaborative response of the various entities significantly mitigated the potential severity of the situation.
The University further stated that the burnt floor housed departmental and administrative offices, adding that the incident occurred after working hours thus the premises were unoccupied.
“Though we lost property, no staff or students were injured or harmed in this unfortunate incident. This morning, the University Management was at the scene and assessed the situation,” said the University in a statement.
KU announced that the institution’s security team has since fully secured the area and investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced.
Recent infernos
The fire which was reported at Kenyatta University is among recent incidents of infernos that have been reported within Nairobi County which have led to loss of property.
On Wednesday, May 1, a huge fire broke out at the Waruku area of Kangemi, razing houses within the area.
The fire, which also burnt down stalls was however contained by the residents who could not establish the cause.
Similarly, on March 1, a fire razed down several market stalls along Waiyaki way near 87, prompting the disruption of business activities and loss of property worth millions.
Another fire accident also razed businesses at the Carwash area on Thika Road in December 2023 destroying property belonging to furniture stores in the area.
Also Read: Kenyatta University VC Who Clashed with Uhuru & Cried Proceeds on Leave
The inferno at Kenyatta University (KU) comes days after the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Paul Wainaina announced that he is going on an annual leave.
KU VC Goes on Leave
Prof. Wainaina in an internal memo to the university fraternity announced that he was going on an accumulated annual leave effective from April 15.
“Following consultations with the University Council, I wish to notify the university community that I will be proceeding on annual leave with effect from 15th April 2024,” read the memo in part.
According to the memo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academics Prof Waceke Wanjohi was appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Prof. Wainaina requested all students to accord DVC Waceke support as she takes up the duties of the office of the VC.
The memo did not however indicate the VC’s return date from his leave.
His last appearance in an event at the University was during a prayer service held at the institution in honor of the 11 students whose lives were claimed in the Kenyatta University bus accident on March 18.
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