One member of staff was killed and around 40 students were injured Monday after a security drill at a Nairobi university was mistaken for a real attack, sparking scenes of panic, the university said.

A 33-year-old female employee "has died from severe head injuries", said Strathmore University's communications director Betty Ngala, adding that 37 others were hurt in the incident.

Medical sources said most of those injured suffered broken bones after jumping from the building. Two people were in critical condition, said Dr Evans Mwendwa at Nairobi West Hospital.