By Lauryne Akoth
Kenyatta University has suspended classes for three days to allow mourning of the students who perished in the tragic car accident at Maungu, Voi, Taita-Taveta.
“It is with profound sorrow and sadness that I inform the University community of the tragic road accident involving our students from the Department of Health Management and Informatics in the School of Health Sciences yesterday 18th March 2024 in which we lost eleven (11) students,” stated Professor Waceke Wanjohi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics.
He verified that 11 students sustained critical injuries and are being airlifted to Avenue Hospital Parklands, while another 16 with minor injuries are also being transported to the same hospital. Arrangements are currently underway to transport the bodies of the deceased students to Kenyatta University Funeral Home.
“Following this unprecedented tragedy, the University Management has decided to suspend all classes for three (3) days beginning Wednesday 20th March 2024 to enable us to mourn our beloved students.” said the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The University has set up a help desk at Business Students Services Centre (BSSC) Room 151, to offer the support needed during this difficult time. For inquiries contact 0723 352 483 or 020 2310709.
Meanwhile, the cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu has expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. He wished the injured students a quick recovery and pledged to keep the public and families of those affected informed.
In a press release dated 19th March 2024, The CS reaffirmed his commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. “As Minister for Education, I assure you that we will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and we will closely examine how we can prevent such accidents from happening in the future.” Stated Machogu.