The University of Nairobi Council Chairman Amukowa Anangwe has assured that the usual operations of the university will continue following Wednesday’s fire incident.
“There is no cause for alarm. The business of the university continues — teaching and exams proceed as scheduled,” Anangwe stated on Thursday.
Anangwe confirmed that he had been briefed on the extent of the damages and assured that sufficient funds are available for repair works.
He also noted that the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but emphasised that there were no injuries.
“As of now, we do not know the cause of the fire. We are refraining from speculation as investigative agencies are already on-site,” he explained.
The university’s Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Francis Mulaa confirmed that the fire broke out at the Mahatma Gandhi Wing, consuming the Senior Common Room and the Chancellor’s Parlour, both of which date back to 1963.
Mulaa explained that the buildings, which were constructed with timber that had aged over time, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
He expressed gratitude to the Nairobi County Fire Services for their swift response, which helped contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
He also thanked the Kenya Power and Lighting Company for promptly switching off the power supply and commended the police for their timely assistance.
The fire is said to have started in the kitchen of a restaurant within the structure before it spread out to other areas.
Earlier on Thursday, Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal said the fire was contained past midnight but again broke out at dawn.
He said a new fire was detected by security on Thursday morning at about 5 am.
“The fire brigade was recalled to the scene to help contain the inferno. They have managed to contain it,” he said.
“This is a historic structure and the damage caused is massive. We hope to get to the cause of the fire.”
Okal said fire experts will investigate the fire and take necessary action.
