Rongo University Orders 3rd Year Students To Vacate School With Immediate Effect: "For Safety"

• All Third-Year students at Rongo University have been instructed to leave the campus premises immediately
• The university Deputy Vice Chancellor Michael Ntabo said the decision was made following a Senate meeting on Thursday, September 19
• This comes after Third Years from the institution reportedly staged demonstrations over fee increase

All Third-Year students from Rongo University have been ordered to vacate the institution's premises immediately.

Why were Rongo Third-Year students asked to vacate?

In a press statement obtained by TUKO.co.ke, Rongo Deputy Vice Chancellor Michael Ntabo said the decision was made due to unrest at the school over the past 24 hours.

"Senate, at a meeting held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, resolved that due to the disturbances at the university in the last 24 hours, all Third-Year students are directed to leave the university premises with immediate effect," the statement read in part.

Ntabo explained that the decision was made to ensure the safety of the university's property, students, staff, and community members.

This follows demonstrations by Third-Year students over a fee increase. According to a student from the institution, the fee was raised from KSh 22,350 to KSh 33,000.

"When we were coming from home, we came knowing very well that the fee was KSh 22,350. Then, after two weeks, we were told that the fee now is KSh 33,000. Enough is enough. Punda imechoka," the student said.

Rongo University closed indefinitely

Earlier, routine classes at Rongo University were suspended, and students were sent home following the unrest there.

Following a concluded student leader election, the institution experienced instances of disorder, the results of which some camps disputed.

Chaos erupted as the aggrieved sides protested the results, suggesting the election was marred by irregularities.

At some point, the state law enforcers intervened by unleashing teargas to contain the rioting students who had started destroying property.

Upon assessing the situation, the university senate deliberated on the events, realising the resolution to suspend learning indefinitely.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor addressed the decision to the students via a memo seen by TUKO.co.ke.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke