Violent Protest Forces Kenyan University To Order 3-Year Students To Vacate
Rongo University’s third-year students were ordered on Thursday to vacate the premises immediately for the safety of school property and other students.
According to a memo published on the university’s student portal, this decision was made in response to disturbances at the school over the previous 24 hours.
“Senate at a meeting held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, resolved that due to disturbances in the University in the last 24 hours, all third-year students are directed to vacate the university premises with immediate effect for the safety of university property, other students, staff and community.” the memo read.
The decision follows student unrest at the university, which caused a disruption in academic activities.
According to video footage on X, the students were protesting an unprecedented increase in school fees without prior notice or explanation.
RONGO UNIVERSITY: All 3rd years directed to vacate the university premises with immediate effect. The said class has caused "disturbances in the university for the last 24 hours" pic.twitter.com/4eE73dXjG8
— wangai Simon (@GakeniaWangai) September 19, 2024
“We came back knowing that the school fee was Ksh22,350. Then after two weeks, we are now being told that the fee is Ksh33,000,” one of the protesting students is heard saying.
Protests have erupted at universities across the country in recent weeks, with most of them condemning the new funding model.
The contentious new system aims to change how higher education funds are distributed.
Unlike HELB, where higher education institutions receive a block capitation of funds, the new model will disburse student loans through scholarships and household contributions.
After calling off planned countrywide protests on September 8, university students appear to have failed to reach an agreement with the government, as students from various universities protested on September 9.
On Wednesday, September 18, students at the University of Nairobi issued another 14-day strike notice.
In their grievances, the students want the old model reinstated because it is discriminatory and ignores the diversity of university students.
Violent Protest Forces Kenyan University To Order 3-Year Students To Vacate
