Kisii University students took to the streets on Monday to protest against a new fee payment system. The students rioted over the system that had been implemented by the University management in September this year. The new system required them to pay at least a half of their tuition fees during the official reporting dates and later finish the semester fees by 15th of October, failure to pay the full amount according to academic registrar’s office would result into automatic deferring of students until the next semester. This was not welcomed by students who said the notice was untimely and that they were used to paying all amount before doing their exams. Police officers were forced to shoot in the air and engage in running battles against the rioting students who had done damages both in the university and private property. A home-made petrol bomb was believed to have been used by the students to set ablaze the fee collection department was recovered by police. Several documents were destroyed at the office despite a response from the Kisii fire rescue team who put out the fire. A signpost bearing Kisii University was also pulled down at Mwembe junction along Kisii-Kilgoris road. “The administration should look for a better way to solve our issues through dialogue rather than bringing police officers who are the cause of the trouble. We have to hold dialogue and come to a consensus about fee payment,” said Kipruto Kemboi, a student. Despite the demos, efforts to reach Kisii University Vice Chancellor to address the matter did not bear fruits. A source from his office said that he was not ready to speak to the media.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!