Rongo University Chases All Third-Year Students After Unrest.
On Thursday, Rongo University directed all third-year students to vacate the premises immediately.
The move was made to protect university property, staff, and the other students, following recent unrest on the campus.
A memo published on the university’s student portal confirmed the decision. It stated that the university senate met on Thursday, September 19, 2024, and resolved that, due to disturbances over the past 24 hours, third-year students must leave the premises at once to ensure the safety of all.
The memo emphasized that this action was necessary to protect the university community and property.
The unrest had caused significant disruption to academic activities, leading to the decision to evacuate the students.
Protests Over Fee Hike
Footage reviewed by Mwalimunews.com showed that the students were protesting a sudden increase in school fees.
They were upset about the fee rising from Ksh22,350 to Ksh33,000 without prior notice or explanation.
One protesting student explained that they had returned to school expecting to pay the lower fee, only to be informed of the hike two weeks later.
These protests are not isolated to Rongo University. In recent weeks, similar protests have occurred across several universities nationwide.
Students have been demonstrating against a new funding model for higher education, which they argue is unfair.
The controversial funding model replaces the previous system of block capitation, such as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), with a new approach. Under the new model, student loans are now disbursed through a combination of scholarships and household contributions.
Lack of Compromise with Government
Despite calling off planned nationwide protests on September 8, university students across the country continued to demonstrate.
Students from various institutions took to the streets again on September 9, expressing dissatisfaction with the new funding model.
On September 18, University of Nairobi students issued a 14-day strike notice, demanding the restoration of the previous funding model.
They argued that the new system is discriminatory and fails to consider the diverse backgrounds of university students.
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In response to the mounting student unrest, the president held a town hall meeting, where he addressed questions from concerned students.
On September 16, he appointed a committee to review the new university funding model, signaling a potential shift in the government’s approach to the issue.
Rongo University Chases All Third-Year Students After Unrest.
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