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The Kisumu National Polytechnic has shut down indefinitely after students protesting fee hikes and administrative issues boycotted classes for a week; the principal says the college will reopen only after investigations and talks with authorities.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Timeline for dialogue between students and administration.
Whether fee hikes will be rolled back or maintained.
Potential disciplinary action for protest-related disruptions.
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.
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.
