Kisumu National Polytechnic Closed Indefinitely After Week-Long Student Strike

Kisumu, Kenya — 2025-09-19 15:00 EAT. Learning at Kisumu National Polytechnic has been suspended indefinitely following a week of student protests over alleged fee hikes, mistreatment and delays in releasing attachment forms.

The Latest

• Closure: Chief Principal Cathrine Kelonye ordered students to vacate the campus in a memo dated September 19.

• Reason: Escalating protests since September 15 disrupted classes and led to running battles with police on Tuesday.

• Next Steps: Administration, county officials and the Ministry of Education to investigate grievances before announcing reopening dates

Voices & Stakeholders

• Cathrine Kelonye, Chief Principal: “The concerns raised by students will be addressed in consultation with relevant authorities,” she said, urging peaceful campus evacuation.

• Students: Accuse administration of fee increases and poor communication on academic matters.

• Education Advocates: Warn prolonged closures hurt learning and urge structured dialogue to prevent similar standoffs.

Context & Background

• Student protests over rising tertiary education costs have erupted in multiple institutions this year, citing affordability concerns for low-income families.

• Kenya’s higher education sector faces funding shortages, with universities pushing for higher fees to cover operational deficits.

Risks & Implications

• Academic Calendar: Prolonged closure could delay graduations and industrial attachments.

• Economic Impact: Local businesses around Kisumu National Polytechnic rely heavily on student spending.

• Policy Debate: May trigger calls for national review of tertiary education funding and student welfare policies.

What We Don’t Know

• Timeline for dialogue between students and administration.

• Whether fee hikes will be rolled back or maintained.

• Potential disciplinary action for protest-related disruptions.

Timeline

• Sept 15: Student protests begin over fees and attachment forms.

• Sept 17: Running battles with police reported on campus.

• Sept 19: Institution closed indefinitely; investigations announced.

What to Watch

• Ministry of Education’s response to rising cost-of-education protests.

• Student–administration negotiations and possible reopening dates.

• Broader policy reforms on tertiary education funding.