The Nyahururu based Laikipia University Main Campus was closed indefinitely today after students went on the rampage protesting a proposal to increase fees by the management.
The new charges which were to take effect in September, this year were contained in a memo by the registrar of academic affairs Richard Kiugu, which was dated May 22.
The students caused damage to windows and also blocked the Nyahururu-Nakuru highway that passes near the University. Police had to disperse them using teargas.
The reviewed charges put registration fee at Sh5000 per year for first year and Sh2000 for continuing students.
Other changes included activity fees, interfaculty transfer fees, issuance of official transcripts and media studio fees that ranged between Sh500 and Sh3000.
“The new charges will apply to the new students reporting from September 2017 onwards,” read Kiugu’s memo
After the students rioted, the vice chancellor, Francis Lelo issued a quick memo clarifying that the changes were not meant for the current student.
“All students are notified (that) the fee structure in their first year’s admission letter will remain unchanged till graduation,” read the memo by Lelo.
After the students failed to heed the vice chancellor’s appeal to stop rioting and resume normal learning, the senate sent out a notice declared the university closed indefinitely.