According to Mr Nkaissery, the institution has a population of 815 students and 60 staff.

Arrangements are also being made to airlift the injured to Nairobi for treatment as the government says it "hopes to end the siege as soon as possible."

Nkaissery spoke at Garissa police headquarters as heavy gunfire was heard inside the college.

"We intend to finish this siege as soon as possible," said Mr Nkaissery.

He also said the Garissa Hospital mortuary is overwhelmed and that bodies will be taken to Nairobi for “proper preservation”.

An operation centre has also been set up to coordinate security operation.

REQUESTED SUPPORT

Following the armed attack and the ongoing hostage situation at Garissa University College, a constituent college of the Moi University, the Kenyan health authorities have requested the support of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) or MSF.

According to MSF's regional information officer for East and Central Africa, Beatrice Debut, a medical team is on its way to assess the situation at Garissa Hospital and provide support should there be an influx of the wounded.

“The team consists of one doctor, three nurses, three clinical officers, one anaesthetist and one logistician. They have equipment to provide surgical support and medical care for 150 wounded. MSF also has the capacity to provide medical evacuations by air to Nairobi if necessary,” said Debut.