This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
On December 4, 2019, Egerton University's Njoro campus was hit by student unrest, resulting in the closure of the institution. The university has since estimated damages of Sh235 million.
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Rose Mwonya, the amount is a result of extensive damage caused by rioting students. The university Senate, which met on December 19, 2019, quantified the damage.
Prof Mwonya explained that the cost of Sh16,862 per student is a result of due process, including procurement, security, importation charges, and compensation to staff and livestock. The cost will be distributed evenly among the 13,953 students who were at the campus at the time.
However, students living with disabilities will be exempted from paying damages. Prof Mwonya clarified that the Sh16,862 will go towards repairing the damages, contrary to social media reports that the university was making money from the unrest.
The students had previously protested the administration's move to block learners with fees arrears from sitting examinations. Prof Mwonya stated that the damages were unwarranted, as the students knew they were to pay school fees before sitting their end-of-semester exams.
Speaking to the Nation on Monday, Prof Mwonya detailed the extent of the damage, including looting, vandalism, and arson. The students targeted greenhouses, facilities supported by donors, and even destroyed the administration block and chancellor's office.
Prof Mwonya also mentioned that the rioting students injured cows by stoning them, some of which died later. Several staff members were injured during the melee, and some are still nursing their wounds.
