Structural Failure at Kabianga University Leaves 27 Students Injured

At least 27 students from the University of Kabianga were rushed to medical facilities on Monday, following a structural failure at a four-storey lecture hall. The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m., caused a mass stampede as students were sitting for a Continuous Assessment Test.

Preliminary reports indicate that a section of finishing material and mortar detached from a slab within Lecture Theatre Block Four. The debris fell into a ramp area, creating a loud noise that led students to believe the entire building was collapsing.

Panic quickly spread through the crowded halls, resulting in a disorganized rush for the exits. Aaron Kiprotich, a student who was in a third-floor Kiswahili class at the time, recounted hearing screams from the floors above. With the primary doorway blocked by fleeing classmates, Kiprotich opted to jump through a window to escape. He sustained fractures to both his arm and leg during the fall.

Emergency response teams, coordinated by Kericho County authorities, transported the injured to the Kericho County Referral Hospital. Dr. George Owiti, an emergency response officer at the facility, confirmed that two students were admitted in critical condition. One victim suffered a fractured femur, while another sustained a serious orbital injury.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Erick Koech issued a statement explaining that the alarm was unintentionally triggered by the falling debris. He noted that while the structural damage appeared localized to the finishing material, the resulting panic led many students to jump from upper floors.

The University of Kabianga management has since invited engineers from the State Department of Public Works to conduct a comprehensive assessment. These experts will determine the underlying cause of the mortar detachment and evaluate the overall structural integrity of the block.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation regarding the maintenance of academic infrastructure in Kenya. Third-year student Faith Migero, who was also caught in the stampede, noted that there were no visible warning signs prior to the failure.

The university remains closed to the public in the affected area, as investigations continue to establish whether the failure was due to poor workmanship or material fatigue. Public works officials are expected to release a preliminary safety report later this week to determine if the lecture theatre is fit for continued use.