A fire broke out early on December 10, 2024, at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, affecting 88 students. The fire, which started around 4 a.m., quickly spread to the second floor of Hall 5, one of the university's student hostels.
According to a statement from Acting Chief Corporate Communications Officer Patrick Munavi, many students lost their personal belongings in the blaze. Some students suffered minor injuries, but most were treated and discharged. However, three students remain under observation at the university hospital. “It is unfortunate that such an incident occurred,” Munavi said, emphasizing that the safety of students is a top priority for the institution.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is leading an investigation into the matter. Munavi assured the university community that they would be updated on the progress of the investigation.
In response to the incident, JKUAT has arranged counseling services and alternative accommodation for the affected students. The university also heightened security measures around the campus to ensure the safety of students and staff. Despite the fire, university activities are continuing as scheduled.
Social media videos showed thick smoke and a large fireball rising from the hostel windows, causing panic among students and other residents of the university. The incident also led to seven students being injured, with five being treated at the university hospital and two transferred to Thika Level 5 Hospital for further treatment.
The university expressed its gratitude to first responders, including JKUAT fire marshals, Kiambu County firefighters, and the Juja community, for their quick actions in containing the fire. “The safety and well-being of our students are paramount to us,” Munavi concluded.