Danger exposure in Moi University

M

oi University proofs to be a dangerous place for human survival as days goes by. Yesterday at 9 pm in the morning, members of hostel barracks fled for their lives when flames erupted from the main switch.

The housekeeper in that hostel made arrangements to switch off power from that area resulting to power outages the whole day and night. The cause of the fire had not been established but chances are that the red and black wires could have intertwined leading to the flames. This occurred after a transformer exploded near C houses last week, this had led to a whole day power outage in the Moi University and its neighborhood before it was repaired.

Students in Moi University main campus now live in fear. They claim that their lives have been put to danger by frequent incidences caused by electricity. Mid last year two rooms in hostel M were ablaze. The occupants had all gone to class during the time of the disaster occurrence. Students in the neighbourhood realized what had transpired after seeing smoke emanate from the two rooms. They did all they can to salvage the situation by breaking the doors. Water was the only available ‘weapon’ to use in discouraging the fire spread at that moment.

Disaster management and preparedness in Moi University is very poor. The fire extinguishers available are rarely checked. Such equipments are insufficient. There are only two to three fire extinguishers in a three storey building. The administration rarely conducts the sensitisation programs to students and workers on how to react in times of disaster occurrence. Students are scarcely taught how to use the fire extinguisher. Nobody knows whether the cylinders are functioning.

It is a high time that the University considers the issue of electricity usage in Moi University. Electricians employed ought to go around daily checking on the wiring and the operation of the circuit breakers and the switch boxes. The habit of checking on the electricity circulation when demand for help arises should be avoided. They ought to understand that their mandate is to ensure continuous and safe electricity supply in their operation.