NAIROBI, Kenya- A fierce fire engulfed the University of Nairobi’s Taifa Hall on Wednesday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
This historic structure, known for its symbolic significance within Kenya’s oldest institution of higher learning, suffered extensive damage.
The blaze, which reportedly began in a kitchen within the building, quickly spread to adjacent areas, including administrative offices.
News Just In: Fire breaks out in a section of the University of Nairobi.
Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, it reignited at dawn, sending shockwaves across the campus community. Here’s what we know about the incident, its implications, and what comes next.
The inferno reportedly started in the kitchen of a restaurant housed within Taifa Hall. Flames rapidly engulfed parts of the structure, with smoke visible from across the campus.
Speaking to the press, Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Stephen Okal confirmed the fire had been initially contained past midnight, only to flare up again around 5 a.m. Thursday morning.
“The fire brigade was recalled to the scene, and they’ve successfully managed to contain the situation,” Okal stated.
While no injuries were reported, he described the structural damage as “massive,” emphasizing the cultural and historical loss.
Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the blaze, with concerned Kenyans raising alarms and calling for swift action.
Taifa Hall is a cornerstone of the University of Nairobi’s legacy. Housing key administrative offices, it also serves as a focal point for events, meetings, and ceremonies.
The fire comes at an inconvenient time, as exams were scheduled to commence shortly.
Video showing razing down a section of the University of Nairobi!
John Orindi, the university’s head of communications, promised a comprehensive update soon. Meanwhile, students and staff are left grappling with the aftermath of a disaster that has disrupted the institution’s operations.
With the University of Nairobi’s reputation as the country’s oldest academic institution, the damage to such an iconic structure has left a mark beyond campus walls.
The cultural and architectural loss has sparked conversations online, with many lamenting the event as a blow to Kenya’s heritage.
OCPD Okal confirmed that fire experts would conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the blaze.
Meanwhile, the university administration is working to assess the extent of the damage and plan for recovery efforts. Property losses are yet to be quantified, but the focus remains on restoring normalcy.
