Kabianga lecture hall collapses, injures 27 students during CAT

At least 27 students from the University of Kabianga were injured after a structural failure in a four-storey lecture hall, triggering panic, a stampede and multiple injuries during a Continuous Assessment Test (CAT).

The incident occurred around 12pm when pillars in the building reportedly gave way, causing parts of the structure to collapse and debris to fall inside the lecture hall. Some students reportedly jumped from upper floors after doors became jammed due to the rush.

Witnesses said the collapse began in the upper sections of the building before spreading downwards, worsening the chaos inside the crowded hall.

One injured student, Aaron Kiprotich, said he was attending a Kiswahili class on the third floor when the incident occurred.

“I suddenly heard screams from students on the fourth floor, and then the pillars began to collapse. I jumped through the window because the door was jammed,” he said. He sustained a broken leg and arm.

Another student, Faith Migero, said she was trampled during the stampede.

Emergency officer Dr George Owiti of Kericho County Referral Hospital confirmed that 27 students were admitted, with two sustaining severe injuries, including a fractured femur and an orbital fracture.

University Vice-Chancellor Prof Erick Koech said material detached from a slab in Lecture Theatre Block Four, triggering alarm and a stampede.