Kenyatta University Closed Indefinitely

Kenyatta University (KU) has been closed indefinitely following the ongoing lecturers' strike.

In a memo to all students dated 16th November 2017, the acting Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina explained that the strike had affected the institution greatly forcing them to shut down.

He also mentioned that heightened tension and agitation among the students left the University Senate with no other option other than suspending the institution's operations.

“Following the continuous nationwide lecturers' strike that has adversely affected academic and heightened agitation among students, the University Senate has decided to close down the university until further notice,” the VC’s memo read in part.

Following the closure, students were given until Friday 9 am to vacate from the campus premises.

The information from the University leadership, however, differs with that of the students who noted that the institution was closed because of a riot that happened on Thursday night.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, one of the students divulged that the institution was shut down because the old administration building was set on fire.

"The strike was because our lecturers are not coming to class and exams are set for next week. We cannot do exams if we are not being taught.

"During the strike the administration building was set on fire by the rioting students and one person was killed in the demos," the student noted

[caption caption="Kenyatta University students vacating the campus after it was shut down"][/caption]

The decision to close the University is set to interfere with the student’s academic calendar since exams were scheduled to begin later this month.

KU becomes the second university to be closed indefinitely after the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) was shut down on Wednesday.

In a memo from JKUAT's Registrar of Academic Affairs Dr. Muoria, the university suspended studies for the students in the September-December session indefinitely.

[caption caption="File image of students at a university"][/caption]

He asked students residing in the varsity’s hall of residence to vacate the premises.

“Students residing in the university are advised to vacate the university premises by 2.30p.m at the very latest. Further communication will be made as need be,” the memo read in part.

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