A first-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) committed suicide on Saturday March 30, 2024 by jumping from fourth floor of hostel building at the university.

Reports indicate that efforts to rescue the first year Computer Science student were fruitless.

The student’s death was confirmed by his family, after the body was moved to the Thika Level 5 Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. 

Meanwhile, preliminary police investigations indicate that the deceased was disappointed after failing to secure a scholarship at a university in the United States. 

This was after his former classmates told the police that the deceased was depressed after missing a chance to study in the US.

At the same time, his classmates reported that the deceased had also applied for a visa as he waited for a response from the institution.

Police further noted that the JKUAT student committed suicide a few days after receiving a letter declining his scholarship application. 

Additionally, his father had visited him at campus and tried to calm him down by encouraging him not to give up in life.

However, the JKUAT computer science student jumped off the building shortly after his father left the hostel.

According to Timothy Gitonga, the Jomo Kenyatta University Student Association (JKUSA) Secretary General, the deceased died at 8 pm on Saturday.

“It is on a sad note I have to announce the death of one of our students. Let’s pray for the family. It is a sad day for us,” stated Gitonga.

His death came at a time when cases of university students committing suicide have been rising in the country.

For instance,  A 19-year-old first year university student from Kericho County, who was pregnant committed suicide on Saturday March 30, 2024 at her parent’s house.

Police reported that the first year pregnant student committed suicide after being dumped by her boyfriend.

A similar incident occurred on March 28, 2024 when a Catholic University of Eastern Africa student committed suicide after losing his school fees to a betting scheme.

Brian Ongwae is said to have ended his life at Raila village in Lang’ata, Nairobi after he placed a bet of KSh15,000 and was not lucky to win.

The incident was confirmed by Mugumoini area chief George Mukuria, who said, after losing the bet on Tuesday, March 26 evening, the ‘depressed’ 22-year-old student locked himself inside his rented house.

Some of the leading causes of suicide according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) are; depression, relationship wrangles, financial hardships, discrimination, illness, stress and loneliness.