Experts from the Department of Public Works are combing a scene where a fire broke out at the University of Nairobi and destroyed a section of a historic structure.
The team will inform police and other stakeholders of the
possible cause of the fire at the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Wing on
Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal confirmed that the fire and structural experts and forensic teams are analyzing the site to determine what sparked the inferno.
“We are waiting for the public works officials who are still at
the scene to tell us the way forward,” he said.
The university said the fire extensively destroyed part of the
Iconic Gandhi Wing including the Senior Common Room, The Arzik Restaurant, and
the Vice Chancellor's parlour.
"The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our utmost priority, and we are relieved to confirm that everyone in our community is safe and accounted for.”
“Importantly, we want to emphasize that all finance and student
records housed in the affected building remain
intact, as do the staff offices,” said the institution.
According to Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Mulaa, the fire destroyed the common room and chancellor's parlour, both of which were part of the iconic buildings built when the university was founded in 1963.
"Most of the old structure is made of timber, which
significantly fueled the fire," Prof. Mulaa explained, adding that
firefighters and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) teams responded
promptly to the distress call, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent
facilities.
The university's head of communications, John Orindi, said the situation was under control and assured that the fire had not disrupted academic activities.
He said they are committed to ensuring that the core business of the University—teaching, learning, and research—continues without interruption.
“This also includes already scheduled continuous assessment tests and end-of-semester exams.”
This incident is a significant setback for the university, as the Mahatma Gandhi wing and its surrounding structures have immense historical and cultural significance for Kenya's oldest institution of higher learning.
Prof Mulaa said the university had informed relevant
government agencies, including those at the highest levels, about the incident
to expedite support and recovery efforts.
The incident caused panic even as it happened at a time when
students and staff members were away.
