The Kisumu National Polytechnic has been temporarily closed following prolonged protests by students, which disrupted learning activities at the institution.
In an internal memo dated Friday, September 19, and signed by the Chief Principal, Cathrine Kelonye, directed the immediate closure of the institution due to the continuous boycotting of classes by learners.
"This is to notify all staff and trainees that the Interim Council of The Kisumu National Polytechnic held a meeting on Friday, September 19, 2025 and resolved to close the institution with immediate effect," read part of the notice.
According to Kelonye, the learners led by the college's Students Association have been protesting since September 15 due to various allegations against the school management.
Following the announcement, all students were to maintain peace and stay away from the Polytechnic premises pending further communication on the dates of reporting back.
Kelonye went ahead to express the school management's regret over the incident, but pledged the administration's commitment to investigate the issues raised by the students.
"The Council affirms that the inconvenient circumstances are highly regrettable and wishes to assure all the affected trainees, parents and guardians that the concerns raised will be investigated," said the Chief Principal.
However, Kelonye clarified that despite the school's closure, all staff would continue with their routine duties unimpeded unless advised otherwise.
The Kisumu National Polytechnic students have been protesting for the past week over several unresolved issues, including the school's decision to hike tuition fees.
While terming the fee increment as exploitative, the learners also demanded the immediate end to the mistreatment of students within the institution.
The learners also called for the immediate release of attachment forms by lecturers, stating that the delays in releasing the forms jeopardised their academic future.
The protests escalated on Tuesday, September 16, prompting the deployment of police officers who engaged in running battles with the students.
During the demonstrations, the learners called on the Kisumu County Government and the Ministry of Education to intervene in the matter.
