The University of Embu has been closed indefinitely following students unrest over a proposal to increase fees.
The University’s management ordered students to clear from the institution’s halls of residence and the campus by 12.30 pm Thursday.
The students went on the rampage Wednesday evening when they disagreed with the university administration over a proposal to increase school fees from the current Ksh16, 000 to Ksh48, 000 per semester, a proposal that has been made by all public universities’ vice-chancellors.
Embu Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel Mugenda said the student’s leadership had invited the university management to their Kamukunji (informal meeting) to explain the fee increase proposal when the students became unruly.
They then started stoning university buildings including the library and administration block before spilling onto the Embu- Meru highway, where police engaged and drove them towards Kangaru Market where they attempted to loot some shops.
Prof. Mugenda said so far nobody has increased school fees and that the proposal remains just that.
“We communicated to them about the proposal because we wanted their input on the matter, but some misguided students have reacted like it is a concluded matter,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
When the media visited the campus this afternoon, some of the students could be seen lugging their personal belongings on their way home.
Two female students who spoke to KNA said they were waiting for their parents to send them bus fare.
The University of Embu strike brings the number of universities that have been closed due to student’s unrests to 5.
Other Universities that have been closed due to student unrests in the recent past include Moi University Main Campus, Kenyatta University, Pwani University and Masinde Muliro University.