Nairobi, Kenya: Gunshots rang out through Strathmore University. Terror attack? Drill? 1 dead and scores injured in the escape. It was a DRILL!
December 1st, 2015
** A 33-year-old employee, jumped from the third floor and died.
** Some 30 additional people were injured.
Swarthmore University Press Release
1st December 2015, Nairobi Kenya
On behalf of the Strathmore University Management Board, I offer an unreserved apology to every student, parent, family, colleague and stakeholder for the unfortunate outcome of the security drill that was carried out in the university on 30th November 2015, at 12:00PM.
We particularly offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Esther Kidambi, the member of staff we lost as a consequence of this security drill. We empathise with each and every student, parent, family, colleague and stakeholder who suffered injuries, trauma and inconveniences.
Currently, 30 students and staff are receiving treatment in various hospitals within Nairobi. In Nairobi Hospital, 5 patients are admitted while 10 have been discharged. In Nairobi West Hospital, 16 patients were admitted; 1 in ICU; 1 In HDU and 14 in the wards. 4 patients have been admitted at Mater hospital, 1 patient at Karen Hospital, and 1 patient at Menelik Hospital.
The University will cater for all the medical expenses and has engaged professional post-traumatic counselling services. We have also set up a help desk at the admission office to assist the affected students, staff and families. We urge all those who may require any further medical attention and counselling to get in touch with the Strathmore University Medical Centre.
We are carrying out an immediate review of the unfortunate circumstances to harness key lessons, apply internally and share with all stakeholders.
We appreciate the selflessness of our students and staff, paramedics and hospitals who assisted all those affected. We recognize the quick response, diligence and professionalism with which they handled and managed the situation. We are also thankful to all our stakeholders who are standing with us in solidarity, offering their help and support.
We appeal to all students, families, staff, stakeholders and members of press to join us in comforting and supporting each other through this difficult period.
We encourage you to use the following hotline numbers for any inquiries; 0721 714434, 0723 886782 and 0703 034407. All media related inquiries should be directed to Betty Ngala, Communications Director (bngala@strathmore.edu / 0721 714434).
Thank you.
Prof John Odhiambo,
Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University.
Tags: Drills/exercises