Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) may not close for long following a series of fruitful deliberations between the institution’s management, security teams and student leaders.
The Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Victoria Ngumi said students might be recalled soon after the regional and county security teams assured to address the grievances that led to the Monday’s protest .
She said the University Senate is set to meet after assessing the situation then set the re-opening date.
“The Senate is the one that decided to close the school after weighing the situation. From the ongoing deliberations and assurances, we hope to re-open soon. The school looks dull and we want our students back,” she said.
The VC was speaking on Wednesday after holding a meeting with Central Regional Security team led by the Regional Commissioner (RC), Wilfred Nyagwanga, the University student leader, Clinton Osoro and the Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria.
Nyangwanga said more police deployment will be made and increased surveillance cameras erected at strategic zones in Juja town.
He warned criminals and drug peddlers who had taken control of the town that their days are numbered.
“The institution is well guarded but the problem is securing students who live outside the university in Juja town. Operations to flush out criminals has started and anyone found will only have themselves to blame,” he said.
Kuria on his part said the university is the heart of Juja town and as the political class, they will not allow a few individual to turn it into a crime haven.
He said landlords housing students will be accredited by the University to ensure students are secure.
“We will not allow the university to collapse. We shall lead an extensive operation in the town to rid it of criminals. Also, streets lights will be fixed this week,” said Kuria.
The VC said going forward, the university is exploring ways to construct more hostels to ensure that all students are accommodated at the institution.
Out of the 35,000-student enrolment, more than 28,000 are accommodated outside the institution.
By Muoki Charles
