Kenyatta University Suspends Classes For 3 Days

Kenyatta University has suspended learning activities for three days from Wednesday, March 20 after a grisly road accident claimed the lives of 11 of its students.

The accident involving one of its college buses and a trailer was reported in Maungu, Voi, Taita Taveta County on Monday, March 18.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Waceke Wanjohi in an internal memo said the break from classes will allow the school community to come to terms with the loss of their colleagues.

"Following this unprecedented tragedy, the University management has decided to suspend all classes for three days from Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to allow us to mourn our beloved students," she indicated.

Police at an accident scene involving a Kenyatta University bus on Monday, March 18, 2024. /PHOTO

The institution's Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina revealed in a public statement that the university had dispatched a team from the Main Campus and Mombasa Campus to the accident scene on Monday night to assess the situation, assist survivors and provide accurate reports.

The team included two doctors, medical personnel, University security officers as well as students and staff wellness officers.

"Some of the injured students are in the process of assessment for possible evacuation to Nairobi depending on their status.

"At the moment we are not able to share specific numbers and/or names but can confirm that there are several fatalities involved. The University will provide a more comprehensive report later today as information becomes available," stated Wainaina who expressed his sadness on behalf of the university.

The VC had paid a visit to the victims at Moi County Referral Hospital to monitor their recuperation.

"On behalf of the University Council and the University Management Board, I wish to convey our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all," he added.

He further disclosed that the university has set up a Help Desk to respond to queries from those who were affected by the tragedy.

A police report filed at Maungu Police Station revealed that the accident occurred at around 5:50 pm at the Pipeline area along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.

The driver of the university bus was overtaking a fleet of motor vehicles, and it was raining heavily at the time.

“The bus skidded to the right side of the road as one faces Mombasa direction, which prompted the driver of the truck to avoid a head-on collision, hence hitting the left side of the university bus,” the police report reads in part.

As a result of the impact, 10 students died on the spot while one succumbed to injuries upon arrival at the Moi County Referral Hospital.

Further, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime directed that the victims would be treated free of charge as the county government would pay for their hospital bills.

The tragedy also prompted Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen to order National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers back on the road to enforce regulations alongside traffic officers.