GARISSA, Kenya - At least two people have been confirmed dead and four others injured after gunmen attacked a university in northern Kenya's Garissa town early Thursday.

Kenya's National Disaster Operations Centre said the government has mobilized security troops including Kenya Defence Force (KDF) who are at the scene to engage the masked gunmen suspected to be Al-Shabaab in the fight.

"Two fatalities, four injured reported so far. KDF at the scene," the disaster centre said in brief statement amid sporadic gunfire at the facility located near the border with Somalia.

There are fears of mass casualties as gunmen are still hold up in the compound.

"The security forces have cornered the gunmen in one dormitory. They are not allowing anyone inside the compound and have taken control," said Hamza Yusuf, a student, by telephone.