Two Kenyan Universities Closed Indefinitely after Student Protests

There was tension on both campuses, as students angrily protested a recent fee increase that they say will not benefit their education. Two Kenyan universities have closed indefinitely after students protested against the recent decision to increase fees without giving prior notice, said media reports on Wednesday. The Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKUT) and Karatina University both in Nyeri County north of Nairobi, closed after protests erupted on campuses on Tuesday. Students accused both universities of providing poor quality education and using student fees to fund corruption in the institutions. According to media reports, students and police engaged in running battles throughout the day, while students barricaded all roads leading to the universities and destroyed property estimated to be worth several million dollars. Students at Karatina University broke windowpanes and doors and destroyed three buses, over 10 schools vans and several staff vehicles on campus. Events at DKUT were similar, as students destroyed a school bus, personal transportation, ambulances and vandalized a teaching center facility on campus.