Kisii University students protest closure of institution

Students and lecturers of Kisii University College, Eldama Ravine branch on Monday took to the streets to protest a decision by the Commission for University Education (CUE) to close it.

The over 400 students and their lecturers stormed the Deputy County Commissioner’s office where they complained that the move was unfair and would lead to drop-outs.

“Students who cannot afford to travel to other towns in search of education will drop out which will be unfair. We need more time to comply with the requirements,” Kokoyo Geofrey, who is one of the students, said.

According to Benson Koskei, a lecturer at the institution, the move by CUE is not for the good of the students.

“The constitution promotes the right of every child to get basic education hence the closure of this institution is uncalled for. We have taken big strides in addressing the raised issues,” Koskei added.

He pointed out that the community has donated a 5-acre piece of land to construct the university while business people in the town donated a building to address the issue of space.

“Our local leaders are also in the process of acquiring 50 acres of land which will host the university. He issues of lecturers will also be addressed,” He added.

Speaking to the students at his office, The County Director of Education, Richard Obonyo, assured the students that quick action would be taken to settle the issue.

“I will liaise with other government agencies to present the petition to Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i. We need this university to empower our community,” he said.

Mr Obinyo was accompanied by Deputy County Commissioner Samson Macharia.

CUE has given the management up to December 30 this year to close down the institution.

By Evans Asiba