The Kitale national polytechnic has been closed indefinitely after students went on the rampage demanding the transfer of the institution’s Principal Fanuel Onyango.
In the notice of closure, the principal indicated that the polytechnic has been closed temporarily and communication for the college to re-open again will be made at a later date.
“Following the students’ unrest, it has been decided that the Polytechnic be closed temporarily until further notice. Students are hereby asked to vacate the premises by11.30 in the morning,” read the notice which was issued yesterday.
The notice of closure was copied to the County Director of Technical Vocation Education Training (TVET), Martha Wekesa, TransNzoia West OCPD Jackson Mwenga and to the polytechnic council.
Police officers whisked away the principal to safety using a police vehicle before lobbing teargas canisters to disperse the rowdy students.
Students had earlier been seen pelting the college Library where the school principal had taken refuge before being rescued by police.
The strike entered its second day yesterday before turning chaotic forcing the institution’s management to close the institution until further notice.
The students are said to have gone on strike to protest against an alleged increased of examination fees.
“We are being charged Sh 3,000 instead of Sh 2,650 recommended by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) for referral fees. We have on several occasions asked the principal to hold a meeting with us but he has always arrogantly refused and instead resorted to using police to intimidate us,” one student who sought anonymity told KNA.
Police officers arrested more than 24 students after they led others in blocking the Kitale-Kipsongo road and becoming a public nuisance to the community and road users.
By KNA Team
