The government has been urged to improve security within Kisii University and its surroundings, with a high number of first year students expected to report this week.
Speaking on Monday during a public lecture in which the institution hosted renowned writer Prof Ngugi Wathiong’o, the institution’s vice Chancellor Prof John Akama said the government has done little to boost security within the surroundings of the institution, with a number of students reportedly losing property in the just concluded semester.
According to Akama, the high number of intake may not be accommodated fully by the institution, hence compelling some to seek alternative residence outside the institution.
“I want to urge the government to improve security especially outside the university. A number of students were attacked last semester and others lost their property to goons. We are expecting a large number of students this semester and the institution may not cater for their accommodation,” he said.
He said the government should consider deploying police officers who will be mandated to patrol in areas occupied by students in a bid to curb any incidents of insecurity.
“We only have two officers who are working from within. We need more so that the entire region especially areas occupied by students are patrolled,” he added.
The institution is set to receive over 3,000 2014 KCSE students who were enrolled on government sponsorship, with 1,000 more self-sponsored also expected to report.