KERICHO, Kenya — Several students were injured on Monday after a structural incident at University of Kabianga triggered panic during a lecture session.
According to a statement from the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the incident occurred at around 1:00 p.m. at Lecture Theatre Block Four, where a section of mortar detached from a building slab and fell onto a ramp.
The falling debris caused alarm among students, leading to a stampede as learners rushed to exit the facility. In the ensuing chaos, some students reportedly jumped from the upper floor in an attempt to escape, sustaining injuries.
“We regret to inform the public that some students sustained injuries during the incident. The injured students were promptly rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read.
The university commended the swift response by county authorities and emergency responders who assisted in evacuating and treating the injured.
Authorities have since initiated investigations into the cause of the structural failure. Engineers from the State Department for Public Works have been deployed to assess the integrity of the affected building and determine whether further risks exist.
University management said additional updates will be provided as investigations continue.
The incident has renewed scrutiny over infrastructure safety in educational institutions, particularly in older buildings where maintenance and structural audits are critical.
Experts note that falling debris and structural weaknesses can pose serious risks in high-occupancy environments such as lecture halls, where panic responses may amplify injuries during emergencies.
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Located in Kericho County, the University of Kabianga is a public chartered institution offering training, research and extension services.
The institution traces its origins to the Government School, Kabianga, established in 1925. It later evolved through various phases, including a teachers’ training college and an agricultural training centre, before becoming a constituent college of Moi University in 2007.
It was granted full university status in 2013 after receiving a charter from former President Mwai Kibaki.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish whether the incident was due to structural fatigue, maintenance lapses or other factors.
The university has urged calm while reaffirming its commitment to student safety.
