Kabete National Polytechnic students in Kikuyu constituency on Tuesday went on a daylong protest that has forced the institution to close indefinitely. The protests were sparked by what was described as an unjustified school fees and accommodation increase slapped by the management of the institution.
Students Demand Action, Leadership Change
The students lit bonfires and brought traffic to a snail’s pace amidst screams of protest over hikes in fees, demanding the exit of the principal, Patrick Muchemi. The protests escalated throughout the day, leading to the closure of the institution.
Muchemi had issued a memo confirming the indefinite closure of the polytechnic. “This is to inform you that the Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely. You are required to vacate the Polytechnic with immediate effect,” the notice told them to leave the premises.
Fee Increases Spark Outrage
The students complained of lack of concern by the school administration over what they termed as an increase in education costs. They said their complaints had fallen on deaf ears.
One of the main issues was the increase in hostel fees, which reportedly went up from Sh 5,000 to Sh 8,000, forcing many students to seek alternative accommodation outside the institution.
They further claimed that they were being charged between Sh1,000 and Sh5,000 per exam paper, with an additional Sh2,000 for practicals. They argued that this contradicts a circular from the Ministry of Education, which states that term fees should cover examination costs.
“They are saying those of us with examination fee arrears will not be able to sit for the exam,” one student complained.
Protests Spread to Multimedia University
At the same time, students at Multimedia University protested against poor sanitation, which they blamed on acute water shortage in Ongata Rongai. The students took to the road, blocking traffic on Magadi Road and forcing motorists to seek diversion routes. Accusations of police brutality arose as the police tried to force the students back into their university.
Both have now become the focal point of protests, with students pressing for measures that would meet their concerns about welfare and access to education.