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The 11 students were part of a group of 58 others who were heading to Mombasa for an academic trip.
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They lost their lives after their bus collided with a trailer heading to Nairobi.
Image: LEAH MUKANGAI
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has described the road accident that took the lives of 11 Kenyatta University students as devastating not only to the higher institution but to the education community at large.
The grisly road accident took place along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway on Monday.
"Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the tragic death of young precious lives in a road accident involving Kenyatta University students who were on an academic trip at the coast," the CS said.
"Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with many others who were injured."
Machogu went on to wish a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the Monday crash.
The CS said Kenya stands together in solidarity with KU during this sombre time.
"We are committed to providing all necessary support to those affected by this untimely tragedy," Machogu said.
Further, the CS gave assurance that he will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners, and will closely examine how such accidents can be prevented moving forward.
"We are committed to keeping the public and the families of those affected informed during this difficult time," Machogu said.
He promised to provide affected families with updates on the tragedy as soon as possible.
"Let us come together to offer comfort, strength and compassion to one another as we navigate through the profound loss," Machogu said.
KU on Tuesday announced the suspension of learning in honour of the 11 students who lost their lives.
KU Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Waceke Wanjohi in a notice said learning will be suspended for three days during which they will mourn the departed souls.
"Following this unprecedented tragedy, the University Management has decided to suspend all classes for three days beginning Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to enable us to mourn our beloved students," Wanjohi said.
The 11 students were part of a group of 58 others who were heading to Mombasa for an academic trip.
They lost their lives after their bus collided with a trailer heading to Nairobi.
Wanjohi said the tragedy has occasioned profound sadness and sorrow in the institution.
Wanjohi noted that the 11 students who died in the tragic road accident were from the Department of Health Management and Informatics in the School of Health Sciences.
"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," she said.
The Deputy VC added that arrangements are also being made to transport the remains of the eleven (11) students to Kenyatta University Funeral Home along Thika Super Highway.
"In the meantime, the University has set up a Help Desk at Business Students Services Centre (BSSC) Room 151, Mobile and Phone No. 0723 352 483 or 020 2310709 to respond to queries as we offer support and assistance during this challenging time," she said.