Kenyatta University deputy vice chancellor for academics has announced the suspension of all classes in the institution to allow time for mourning students who perished in the tragic road accident in Voi.

In a memo dated March 19, 2024, the deputy VC noted that the three days break will give ample time for the students and the entire KU fraternity to mourn the students who died in the accident on March 18, 2024.

“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.

“Eleven (11) students were also critically injured and are being airlifted to Avenue Hospital, Parklands: and another sixteen (16) with minor injuries are being transported to the same Hospital.

“Arrangements are also being made to transport the remains of the eleven (11) students to Kenyatta University Funeral Home along Thika Super Highway.

“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 mourn our beloved students,” read part of the notice.

In the meantime, the university has set up a help desk at Business Students Services Centre (BSSC) Room 151, and a mobile phone number to respond to queries and offer support during this challenging time.

Out of the 42 students who were injured during the accident, 11 were in critical condition, prompting doctors at the Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi to refer them for specialized treatment  in Nairobi. 

Meanwhile, Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina visited the accident survivors on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at the Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi. 

“On behalf of the University Council and the University Management Board, I wish to convey our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” said Prof. Wainaina.

At the same time, Taita Taveta governor Andrew Mwadime noted that the medical bill for all Kenyatta University accident survivors will be waived by the county government.