Kisumu: Kisumu National Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely following a week of unrest as students protested against a fee hike.

According to Kenya News Agency, over 1,600 students were sent home after a week of confrontations with security personnel. The students began boycotting classes on Monday, September 15, accusing the polytechnic authorities of increasing fees without consulting them or their families. They expressed concerns that the fee hike would place additional financial burdens on already struggling parents and guardians.

Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye denied the claims of a fee hike and stated that all institutional decisions are made in consultation with stakeholders. Despite this, students resorted to barricading roads near the institution and clashing with police, disrupting the peaceful learning environment.

In a memo, Ms. Kelonye, who also serves as the secretary to the polytechnic council, stated that it was untenable to continue keeping students on campus due to the unrest. Th
e memo assured that the issues raised by student leaders would be addressed promptly to resume normal learning.

Unrest in educational institutions in Kenya has been a recurring issue, often disrupting learning programs. Common causes include lack of student participation in decision-making, inadequate dialogue between authorities and students, excessive power held by prefects, absence of democratic systems, and drug abuse. Academic pressure, especially around national examinations, is also a significant factor contributing to school unrest.

The ongoing strike by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), which began on Wednesday, September 17, has further affected learning in public universities. The union is demanding over Sh11.5 billion in arrears from unfulfilled Collective Bargain Agreements (CBAs). Despite a court order halting the strike to allow for a conciliation process, UASU has vowed to continue their action.