Education stakeholders are calling for urgent first aid and safety training for learners following a stampede at the University of Kabianga that left several students injured.
The calls come a day after a stampede at the institution, triggered when a section of mortar detached from a building, causing panic among students.
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 debris from a slab fell onto a ramp as students attended a lecture.
“The falling material caused alarm, leading to a stampede as students scrambled to escape,” the statement said.
In the chaos, some students reportedly jumped from upper floors in an attempt to flee, resulting in injuries.
University management expressed regret over the incident and wished those affected a quick recovery.
“We sincerely appreciate the swift response from Kericho County authorities, as well as the assistance provided by other stakeholders during this unfortunate incident. Engineers from the State Department for Public Works have been called to assess the building,” the statement read.
The institution also commended emergency responders for their prompt action in managing the situation.
Engineers from the State Department for Public Works have since been deployed to assess the structural integrity of the building and determine the cause of the failure, with the university promising further updates once investigations are complete.
Following the incident, education stakeholders have emphasised the need to prioritise safety in learning institutions across the country.
“Safety is crucial and must be given priority in all learning institutions,” said one education official. “Learners should be equipped with basic first aid skills and safety awareness to help them respond effectively during emergencies.”
They noted that proper training could help prevent panic and reduce injuries during unexpected incidents such as fires, structural failures, or stampedes.
The University of Kabianga, whose main campus is located in Kericho West District, is a public chartered institution with a long history dating back to 1925 when it began as a government school.
The institution later evolved through various phases, including a teachers’ training college and a farmers’ training centre, before becoming a constituent college of Moi University in 2007. It was awarded a charter in 2013 by former President Mwai Kibaki, gaining full university status.
Stakeholders now say the incident should serve as a wake-up call for institutions to strengthen safety standards and preparedness measures.
READ ALSO: Kabianga University reassures public following lecture hall scare
“Beyond infrastructure checks, there is a need to train both students and staff on emergency response,” another stakeholder said. “Preparedness can save lives.”
By Kimutai Langat
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