The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Francis Mulaa, has reassured students and staff that learning activities will proceed uninterrupted despite a fire that damaged parts of the university on Wednesday night.
In a statement released on Friday, January 17, Prof. Mulaa confirmed that scheduled continuous assessment tests and end-of-semester exams will take place as planned.
The fire, which broke out at the iconic Gandhi Wing, extensively damaged areas including the Senior Common Room, The Arzik Restaurant, and the Vice Chancellor’s parlour. However, the Vice-Chancellor noted that critical staff offices, including those housing finance and student records, remained intact.
“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,” Prof. Mulaa stated.
He emphasized the institution’s commitment to ensuring that teaching, learning, and research activities continue without disruption.
Prof. Mulaa commended the swift response of a multi-agency team comprising the Nairobi Fire Brigade, Kenya Power, and the National Police Service (NPS). Their prompt actions helped contain the fire by midnight, minimizing further damage and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that investigations into the cause of the fire and an assessment of the damage are already underway. He assured stakeholders that the university would provide updates as more information becomes available.
The fire, which reportedly began on the second floor of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing, spread to other sections before it was brought under control. Videos and photos shared online showed smoke billowing from the building as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, with students observing from a distance.
Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal confirmed that structural and forensic experts are on-site to assess the situation and establish the cause of the incident.
The university community continues to rally around efforts to restore normalcy as investigations proceed.
