Written by Lisa Murimi
Karatina University, located in Nyeri County, was indefinitely closed on Wednesday following student protests that disrupted learning activities.
In an official statement, the university ordered all on-campus students to vacate the premises immediately, with off-campus students advised to find alternative accommodations until the situation normalizes.
“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,” the statement read.
The closure followed violent demonstrations by students protesting high matatu fares and steep rent prices in private hostels.
The students blocked the main highway leading to Karatina T own, causing significant traffic disruptions.
The protesters also criticized the university administration for failing to address their grievances despite repeated attempts to engage the institution.
Police officers were called to the scene and managed to disperse the students who had lit fires along the road.
Karatina University now joins other institutions, such as Multimedia University, whose students recently protested over grievances, continuing a growing trend of student unrest across the country.
Reopening dates will be communicated by the university administration in due course
