Kabete institute shut, as protests also rock Multimedia University

Kabete National Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely following daylong protests by students.

Police were also on the spot for using excessive force while quelling protests that had rocked Multimedia University (MMU).

In both cases, students protests against issues that were institution specific. They ranged from sanitation, lack of water and increased fees.

At Kabete, the students grievances were centered on increased fees that they argued made education inaccessible to many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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The protests were a result of what students say is the administration’s disregard for their struggles.

According to the students’ leader, Titus Ndiku, the students feel that their voices are not being heard, and their concerns over basic necessities and the rising cost of education are going unaddressed.

"Fees from the government had indicated that it was all-inclusive. However, we are forced to pay between Sh1,000 to Sh5,000 per paper and practical Sh2,000," student leader said.

"We have tried to convene meetings with the principal, but he always turns them down," Ndiku said.

They argued that accommodation fees have increased from Sh5,000 to Sh8,000. "We cannot afford it, forcing us to rent outside, which is also risky to our lives," another student said, expressing concern about safety for those living off-campus.

The students also accused the administration of failing to pay them for ushering services they provided during a centenary celebration.

“Some of our students were engaged in services during the centenary celebration but have not been paid,” he added.

As tensions grew, police arrived at the scene to disperse the protesting students.

Running battles between law enforcement and students lasted for hours, with officers firing teargas canisters to break up the crowds.

At Multimedia University, protests paralysed transport along Magadi Road in Ongata Rongai as  students poured onto the streets, demanding action over what they termed as poor living conditions.

With bonfires lit and a section of the busy road blocked, frustrated motorists waited for hours as the students voiced their grievances over a lack of water and poor sanitation in their hostels.

According to Naomi Oketch, a students’ leader, for days, students at MMU have been living without a steady supply of water, a basic necessity for hygiene and comfort.

Oketch said, the absence of basic amenities has not only affected their living conditions but has also disrupted their studies.

"We resorted to going on strike since our calls to the administration remained unanswered. Our frustrations has been building for some time, culminating in this demonstration after the administration allegedly ignored our pleas," she said.

Remmy Osoti, the university's student Secretary General narrated the dire situation students were facing in the hostels.

"Our young brothers and sisters residing within the hostels have had it rough for lack of water, struggling with poor hygiene," he said.

Another student said, lack of water has been particularly challenging, with students worried about the health risks posed by the unhygienic conditions.

“Some of us have not had a bath for a week now, the toilets are dirty, and the hostels are stinking. There are also fears of diseases like cholera and typhoid spreading due to the unsanitary environment,” she said.

But water isn’t the only issue. According to the students, other problems include broken sockets, poor internet access, and a lack of seating in the hostels.

"Some of the hostels have dysfunctional sockets. Others lack study chairs. We have raised these issues, but no one has responded to our cries for help," another student added.

In response, Mutia Mwandikwa, Manager of Corporate Affairs at the university, admitted the demonstrations were triggered by a temporary disruption in the water supply.

“The issue arose from a damaged water main pipe that affected the regular flow of water to the university. On learning of the situation, the University Management took immediate action and has worked tirelessly to resolve the problem,” Mwandikwa explained.

He added that the water supply was restored the previous night, and normal flow was continuing across the university. However, despite these efforts, some students were still protesting.

“We acknowledge that despite the restoration, some students are still expressing concerns through demonstrations, which are currently confined to the university premises,” he said, assuring that the administration was actively engaging with the student leadership to address their grievances.