A massive fire broke out at the University of Nairobi’s Taifa Hall on Wednesday night, January 15, 2025, causing extensive damage to the iconic building.
Taifa Hall, the university’s centrepiece, was engulfed in flames for hours, sending plumes of smoke and bright orange flames into the night sky.
Videos of chaos
Videos shared widely on social media captured the dramatic scene as the fire raged on, with smoke billowing and flames consuming parts of the structure.
The campus was thrown into chaos as emergency alarms blared. Students, some still in disbelief, were seen huddling in groups, watching helplessly as one of the university’s most cherished landmarks burned.
Emergency response
The sight of fire engines racing toward the university added to the frantic atmosphere.
Sirens wailed as emergency responders navigated the congested city streets, determined to save what they could of the hall.
In a video shared by K24 TV on Thursday, January 16, 2025, witnesses described the arrival of the engines as a scene out of a movie, with firefighters leaping into action, unrolling hoses, and directing streams of water onto the roaring blaze.
Though firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control, the fire caused significant structural damage to Taifa Hall.
The exact extent of the destruction is yet to be confirmed, but reports suggest that the interior, including key facilities, suffered extensive losses.
Cause
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing.
The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen, with initial speculations pointing to an electrical fault as the possible cause. However, officials have remained tight-lipped, urging patience as investigations into the incident continue.
No injuries
No injuries or fatalities were reported despite the severity of the blaze.
The hall was empty when the fire broke out, and the few staff within were safely evacuated.
