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On the night of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the University of Nairobi's main campus, causing extensive damage to the iconic Taifa Hall. The blaze reportedly originated in the kitchen of a restaurant within the hall before rapidly spreading to other sections of the building, which also houses administrative offices.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, were promptly dispatched to the scene. Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the flames, while police secured the area to prevent theft amid the chaos. The fire was initially contained past midnight but reignited at dawn, necessitating further efforts to fully extinguish it.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, the property damage is substantial, with parts of the historic building severely affected. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and university officials have pledged to provide more details as they become available.
The incident has raised concerns among students and staff, especially with examinations scheduled to begin in the coming days. The university administration is expected to assess the damage and make necessary arrangements to ensure that academic activities proceed with minimal disruption.
Taifa Hall holds significant historical and cultural value for the University of Nairobi community. The loss of such a landmark is deeply felt, and the university is anticipated to take steps toward restoration once safety assessments are complete.
This event follows a similar incident at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) a month prior, where a fire in a student hostel caused extensive property damage and led to several students being hospitalized with minor injuries.
As investigations continue, the university community and the public await further information regarding the cause of the fire and the measures that will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
