Matiangi says Ministry will not interfere with universities activities

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i says his Ministry will not get involved in the operations of governing councils in universities following the recent spate of unrest that has seen some of them closed indefinitely.

Speaking after flagging off the distribution of over 5.4 millon books under the Tusome Project, Matiang’i said the Governing Councils of the various institutions need to take control of such situations.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed the need for the various boards to ensure that universities run smoothly.

He further pointed out that the Ministry is only involved in developing policies, and will not interfere in the management of various institutions of higher learning.

Matiang’i’s sentiments come just two days after the main campus of Laikipia University in Nyahururu was closed indefinitely.

The closure came after students went on rampage following reports that the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technology Board and the Commission for University Education had rejected two science courses offered at the institution saying the courses are not recognized. The students want new programmes introduced.

On the same day, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology was closed indefinitely after a student unrest Tuesday morning.

In a notice to students, the University blamed the riots on a well-orchestrated plan to stop the examinations, which had been scheduled for Tuesday.

Early April, the University of Nairobi was closed indefinitely following two days of riots by students protesting re-election of Babu Owino as SONU chair.

The resolution was reached after a special Senate meeting at Utalii House in Nairobi.

Students were ordered to vacant all Nairobi campuses by 5PM April 5th as security presence was heightened.