Kisumu National Polytechnic closed following student unrest

The Kisumu National Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely following student unrest over alleged fee increment and mismanagement.

In a circular released by the institution governing council President Chanzu Lomolo, the students were directed to vacate the school premises immediately.

“Following the unrest by the students witnessed today Monday 3/2/2020, it has been decided that the institution be closed with immediate effect,” read the memo.

Learning was, for the better part of Monday, paralyzed in the institution as the students engaged police in running battles.

According to Joseph Mbaka, Kisumu National Polytechnic Students Association (KINAPOSA) Chair, they were angered by the Ksh.6,000 fee increment which they said was done without consultation.

Mbaka also accused the administration of being “high-handed”, further alleging that all Mechanical Engineering students were recently suspended “for no apparent reason.”

The students lit bonfires and brought transport on Stadium Road to a near halt as they went on a rampage before police officers arrived on scene and lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the learners.

The riots spilled over to neighboring estates like Arina, Kaloleni, Manyatta, Nubian, Polyview and Gesoko.