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University students injured in Kenya as drill causes panic

Xinhua, December 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Several students got injured on Monday during a counter-terror drill where police used live bullets at a university in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

The simulation exercise sparked panic across Strathmore University and left some students injured as some reportedly jumped from the second floor of their classroom building.

Police sources told Xinhua that there were reports of gunfire spread on social media before the police confirmed the incident was a test.

Both students and lecturers were, however, caught unawares in what security analysts said to be a drill gone bad.

Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome said all procedures were followed in the security drill, which he said was meant to gauge preparedness in case of a terror attack there.

Images posted to social media showed some university students climbing out of windows and hanging from frames, while others waded through a stream to get away from the perceived danger.

A statement from the university said teams of security marshals comprising of staff and students together with the emergency response team were trained on evacuation, assembly points and exit points.

"The security department simulated this evacuation exercise in selected university buildings. This simulation was aimed at testing the preparedness of the university community and emergency team in the event of an attack," the statement said.

"Unfortunately, some students and staff panicked and got injured. The university has assured all the students, parents and stakeholders that the situation is under control and normal operations have resumed," it said.

The university has confirmed that it will cater for the medical expenses for injuries incurred during the drill as counseling services will also be provided for the affected.

The incident comes as security has been tightened in Nairobi and across the country following reports that Somali militant group Al-Shabaab was planning terror attacks in the East African nation.

In April this year, more than 148 students were massacred by Al-Shabaab militants the Garissa University in the country's northeast region. Endit