This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, Kenyatta University was indefinitely closed following two days of student demonstrations.
The university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, issued a memo stating that the Senate had reached the decision 'following disturbances by some students that have led to disruption of lectures and destruction of university property.'
Prof. Wainaina ordered all students to vacate the university premises immediately, citing the disruptions and destruction of property.
However, Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) leader Joshua Ayika advised students to disregard the memo and await his address.
On Monday, students staged a protest over welfare issues, including an early deadline for fees payment, the administration forcing students from Nyayo hostel to use a flyover, and the suspension of fellow students and student leaders on 'petty basis.'
The students also accused the school administration of hiking graduation fees from Ksh. 3,500 to Ksh. 6,000 without informing them, sacking casual workers without notice, and charging Ksh. 2,500 for supplementary examinations.
However, the university administration accused Mr. Ayika of issuing a misleading circular without the concurrence of the rest of the Students Governing Council.
