Learning disrupted as students go on the rampage

Harrison Kivisu and Douglas Dindi 

Learning was yesterday disrupted after students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega and their counterparts in Technical University of Mombasa (TUM),  went on rampage over introduction of exam fees and introduction of new academic policy, respectively.   

MMUST was closed indefinitely following clashes between police and students who barricaded roads and lit bonfires.

In a notice signed by the acting Registrar of Academic Affairs Thomas Sakwa, MMUST was declared closed until further notice, and students ordered to vacate the institution by 2pm.

 “The university Special Senate meeting held today the September 18, has resolved to close the university with immediate effect because of the students unrest,” read part of the memo.

Students at the institution protested the introduction of Sh10,000 exam fee. They further complained over a September 27, deadline set by the Finance department for all students to clear fees.

At TUM, 30 students were arrested following the protest. The students paralysed learning activities at the university for the better part of the day forcing management to call in the police to quell the protests.

The rioting students blocked the Mombasa-Malindi highway at Nyali bridge causing a huge traffic snarl-up.

In an internal memo signed by Registrar Academic Affairs  Paul Njihia, TUM management is said to have introduced new exam and academic policies that have been rejected by the students.