Meru University of Science and Technology has been shut down indefinitely

The Meru University of Science and Technology has been closed indefinitely following a four-day student unrest over alleged fee increment.

Police have been engaging rioting students in running battles since Monday, forcing the university senate to shut it.

Evans Njoroge , the Secretary General of the students’ council, accused the university management of hiking fees and failing to adhere to the Ministry of Education guidelines.

“We are here to continue with our push for justice. This is our fifth strike in one semester. We ask the ministry to look into the fee issue. While other universities pay Sh33,000 in an academic year, we are required to pay more than Sh50,000,” said Njoroge, who was shielded by other students from police officers who wanted to arrest him.

He accused Vice Chancellor Japhet Magambo of failing to honour a pledge to reduce the fees by Sh8,500 as agreed in a meeting between management and student leaders.

“The new fee structure released by the VC only had a reduction of Sh2,500. We want to pay not more than Sh35,000. We are also shocked by the decision to close the university when we only held peaceful protests,” Njoroge said.

Prof Gitonga Mburugu, the Deputy VC, said the university was closed to safeguard life and property. 

“The senate met this morning and decided to close the university. It is true that the students had complained over the fee in November last year,” he said.