IN PICTURES: How Fire Destroyed Property At University of Nairobi

On Wednesday night, January 16, a fire broke out at the University of Nairobi's main campus, burning down a section of buildings within the famous institution.

Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident, stating that the inferno affected parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block, which houses offices and a hall. The iconic building is located at the university near the old administration building. 

However, the fire department drawn from Nairobi City County managed to put out the inferno. "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," the Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch stated.

"The Nairobi Fire Team has successfully contained the fire, which affected parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Wing Block. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported."

A fire that broke out at the University of Nairobi on January 16, 2025. /PHOTO

According to preliminary reports, the fire is believed to have started on the second floor of the historic building before spreading to other areas.

Initially, the fire appeared to have been contained just past midnight on Thursday, January 16. However, according to Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal, the inferno broke out again at dawn.

Security personnel at the university were coming to terms with the midnight incident when they spotted another huge cloud of smoke at around 5 am on Thursday. 

While no injuries and casualties were reported, property worth unknown value was reduced to ashes as fire experts opened investigations to establish the cause of the fire.

Photos obtained by Viral Tea showed the damage the night fire caused, painting a grim image of the incident which went viral on social media and immediately drew our attention. Incidentally, the fire occurred just as students were preparing to take examinations at the university.

A fire that broke out at the University of Nairobi on January 16, 2025. /PHOTO

Although it is not an anomaly for educational institutions to be on fire in Kenya, it is rare for an institution of higher learning to experience the same.

However, in December 2024, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) reported a fire. On December 10, a fire broke out at one of the university's student hostels, affecting several students.

According to a report released by the university shortly after the incident, the fire started on the second floor of the hostel and caused damages affecting at least 88 students. Apart from the property damage, 10 students were also hospitalised following the incident after sustaining minor injuries in the fire.

''The University Management deeply regrets the unfortunate fire incident that affected about eighty-eight (88) students who stayed on the second floor of the hostel," part of the statement read.

Adding, "The students lost personal effects and other valuables. A few students sustained minor injuries and have been treated in the hospital and released. Only three are currently under observation in the university hospital."

A fire that broke out at the University of Nairobi on January 16, 2025. /PHOTO