Students evacuated as strong fumes hit Makande School in Mombasa

Strong fumes swept through Makande Girls Secondary School in Mombasa early Thursday, causing panic and leading to the evacuation of students.

Five students were affected by the fumes, with two being taken to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, while three others were treated at Bandari Hospital.

However, all students are reported to be in stable condition.

The fumes led authorities to transfer students to nearby Makupa Boys Secondary School, where they completed their KCSE exam papers for the day.

The disruption prompted a swift response from a multi-agency team, including the County Commissioner’s office, security personnel, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, intelligence services, as well as representatives from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Public health and firefighting officials from the Mombasa County government also joined the investigation.

Makande Girls Secondary School in Mombasa on November 7, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Paint factory

Initial investigations identified a paint factory in the vicinity as the suspect source of the fumes. Authorities believe the factory may have been disposing of chemical waste improperly, potentially discharging chemicals into stormwater drainage.

“We have identified a factory that is a primary suspect. It is a paint manufacturing facility, and evidence from stormwater manhole covers suggests they might have been disposing of chemicals into the stormwater system. However, we did not stop there. There is also mention of a fish processing and packaging plant, as well as an oil storage facility. We have requested to see the licenses of each business involved in these activities. For now, the strongest indication is towards the paint factory, given the distinct odour coming from the area,” Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said.

Abdulswamad said samples have been collected from the factories for further analysis, while the paint factory has been ordered to close temporarily pending investigations.

Public health officials have also been instructed to monitor the scene and assess the air quality to ensure student safety before they are allowed back to the school premises.

Public advisory

The incident prompted the Mombasa County government to issue a public advisory, urging calm and assuring residents that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fumes.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmoud Noor affirmed the county’s commitment to public health and environmental safety.

“No child missed their exams; those affected received medical care and completed their exams at the hospital. We are committed to safeguarding our community’s well-being,” Mahmoud said.

The fumes sparked concerns among residents, who reported severe discomfort and respiratory issues from the odour.

Arabia Zaid, a Makande resident, described the event as distressing.

“This has affected not only the school but the entire neighbourhood. Many thought something was burning nearby. The fumes made people nauseous, with some even stepping outside to breathe,” Zaid said.

He called on authorities to take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Mary Kariuki, another resident, reported that her asthmatic husband began sneezing upon exposure to the fumes.

“When we opened the windows but it only got worse. We couldn’t stay inside the house,” she said, urging officials to address the issue promptly.

The Mombasa County government’s advisory underscored the responsibility of local industries to comply with environmental regulations.

“Industries are reminded of their duty to operate within environmental laws. Those found in violation will face severe consequences, including suspension of operations,” the county government warned.