Tragedy struck the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) community on Saturday, March 30, 2024, as a first-year student, enrolled in Computer Science, succumbed to suicide by leaping from the fourth floor of a university hostel.
Despite frantic rescue attempts, the student’s life couldn’t be saved, as confirmed by the family upon the relocation of the body to the Thika Level 5 Hospital mortuary for further examination through autopsy.
Initial police inquiries suggest that the deceased had been grappling with despair following his failure to secure a coveted scholarship at a university in the United States. Testimonies from former classmates underscored the profound impact of this disappointment on his mental state, with reports indicating signs of depression arising from the missed opportunity. Additionally, it was revealed that the student had applied for a visa, awaiting a response from the institution, adding to the weight of expectation.
Tragically, the JKUAT student took his life mere days after receiving the disheartening news of the scholarship rejection. Despite his father’s visit to offer words of encouragement and support, urging resilience in the face of adversity, the student’s resolve faltered, culminating in the fatal decision to leap from the hostel shortly after his father’s departure.
Timothy Gitonga, Secretary General of the Jomo Kenyatta University Student Association (JKUSA), solemnly announced the student’s passing at 8 p.m. on Saturday, marking a somber moment for the university community.
This grim incident echoes a concerning trend of rising suicides among university students across the country. Notably, on the same day, a 19-year-old first-year student from Kericho County tragically took her own life at her parents’ home, driven by despair after being abandoned by her partner amidst her pregnancy. Similarly, on March 28, 2024, a student at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa resorted to suicide following a devastating loss of school fees in a betting mishap.
The heartbreaking loss of these young lives underscores the complex interplay of various factors contributing to suicide, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), including depression, relationship issues, financial strain, discrimination, illness, stress, and isolation. As communities mourn these tragic losses, it is imperative to foster greater awareness, support networks, and mental health resources to address the underlying issues and prevent further loss of life.
