This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, Kenyatta University was indefinitely closed due to student unrest that occurred on Monday and Tuesday.
The university's Vice Chancellor, Prof Paul Wainaina, announced the closure in an internal memo, citing disruptions to lectures and property destruction.
"The University Senate has decided to close the University until further notice. In view of the foregoing, all students are required to vacate the University premises immediately," Prof Wainaina stated.
Student protests turned violent on Monday, with students clashing with police along the Thika Superhighway and disrupting traffic flow.
According to the university, the demonstrations were caused by a small group of students, while the majority remained calm and continued with their activities.
However, sources revealed that the students were protesting against several grievances, including the suspension of students and student leaders on petty charges, the charging of supplementary exams, and the sacking of over 700 casual workers without notice.
Additionally, students were upset about the increment of graduation fees from Sh3,500 to Sh6,000 without prior notification and the failure to replace student IDs despite payment of required fees.
