Karatina University Closed Indefinitely After Students Stage Demos

by Timothy Cerullo on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 - 4:19 pm

Karatina students during a protest at the university on Wednesday, December 3, 2020.

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Karatina University which is located in Nyeri County was on Wednesday closed indefinitely after students staged protests, disrupting learning activities at the institution.

In a statement released by the institution on Wednesday afternoon, all the students residing in the school were directed to immediately leave the premises.

Meanwhile, learners residing outside the institution but within university environs were advised to seek alternative accommodation until things normalize.

"The First Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year activities are suspended effective today Wednesday, 25th September 2024. All students should vacate the University premises with immediate effect latest 3:00 pm," read part of the report.

Marcel Aksoy, an entrepreneur, PhD Candidate and Research Associate at Universität des Saarlandes, Germany (second left) with Karatina University lecturers in October 2021

According to the letter signed by the university's Registrar of Academics, re-opening dates would be communicated in due course.

The announcement comes hours after the students allegedly staged violent demos over alleged exploitative matatu fares and high rent charges by the owners of private hostels.

While protesting, the learners blocked the main highway leading to Karatina Town using rocks, causing traffic disruption.

During the demonstrations, the learners faulted the school administration for failing to intervene in the matter despite several attempts to compel the institution into action.

Police officers who were on high alert quickly intervened and dispersed the protesters who had lit borne fires along Karatina Town as the standoff between the students and the area landlords intensified.

Karatina University students join the long list of higher education learners who have held demonstrations over various grievances in the recent past.

Hardly a week ago, transport along the Magadi Road which is located in Ongata Rongai was paralysed after Multimedia Univerity students staged protests along the highway.

Taking to the streets, the learners accused the school administration of failing to provide them with clean water and a stable internet connection.