Karatina University Closed Indefinitely After Students' Unrelenting Protests: "Vacate Immediately"

• Karatina University will be out of bounds for students from today, September 25, until further notice
• The university domiciled in Nyeri county announced an indefinite closure following riots by the students
• An official at the institution revealed the scholars took to the streets to protest the hike in rent and fare

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nyeri county - Learning at Karatina University has been suspended until further notice.

Why Karatina University was closed indefinitely

The institution's senate sanctioned the directive following unrest witnessed among the students in recent days.

In a memo addressed to the scholars on Wednesday, September 25, the varsity's office of the registrar asked them to vacate the precincts immediately.

"The first Semester of 2024/2025 Academic Year activities have been suspended following student demonstrations outside the University (Gitunduti and One Kilometer area). This is, therefore, to announce the closure of the university with immediate effect," read the memo partly.

The reopening dates will be communicated to learners "in due course."

Why Karatina University students went on strike

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on the condition of anonymity, a reliable staffer at the institution said the students went on a rampage to protest the hikes in fare and rent in the outsider private accommodation units, which are not owned by the institution.

The informant said the protests had nothing to do with the institution; sending the students home was a precautionary measure to avert damage and injuries that might emanate from their restlessness.

Those in the university halls of residence were also asked to vacate despite not being affected by the increase in rent.

"The students went to protest against the increase in the rent they have been paying outside the university. They were also complaining about the high fare rates that PSVs have been operating with recently. The protests were not instigated by any dynamic in the university," they said.

The informant revealed the university was warming up for its 12th graduation fete coming up in a few weeks.

Karatina University, which started as a constituent college of Moi University, was chartered as a fully-fledged public institution of higher learning in 2013.

Rongo University students sent out

A few days back, third-year students at Rongo University were ordered to vacate the institution's premises immediately after an unrest.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Michael Ntabo said the decision was realised after the scholars showed tendencies of lawlessness for more than a day.

Ntabo explained that the decision was made to ensure the safety of the university's property, students, staff, and community members.

The students rioted against the fee increase, lamenting that the fees had been significantly raised from KSh 22,350 to KSh 33,000.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

US Nuclear Plant Three Mile Island To Reopen To Power Microsoft
Bradley Mtall Says Mum Travelled To Nairobi After He Went Viral, Asks For Job Opportunities
Nithi Bridge: Man Gives Closer View Of Dreaded Black Spot, Says Why It's Dangerous

Karatina University in Nyeri.

Karatina University - PDF Education

Karatina University - Ayoma