Written By Lisa Murimi
Rongo University directed all third-year students to vacate the campus immediately on Thursday, September 19, following ongoing unrest.
According to a memo published on the university’s student portal, the decision was made during a senate meeting to protect the safety of school property, students, and staff.
The unrest was reportedly sparked by protests over an unexpected increase in tuition fees.
According to students, they returned to campus expecting to pay Ksh 22,350 but were later informed the fee had been raised to Ksh 33,000 without prior warning.
The protests at Rongo University reflect a wider issue that has been affecting universities across Kenya.
In recent weeks, several institutions have experienced unrest as students decry the controversial new university funding model.
The new system replaces the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) block funding with a combination of scholarships and household contributions.
Despite a town hall meeting with President William Ruto and the formation of a review committee on September 16, many students remain dissatisfied.
Protests continue, with the University of Nairobi issuing a 14-day strike notice on September 18, demanding the restoration of the old funding system, which they argue is fairer to all students.
