Students at Laikipia University Naivasha campus were locked out the campus' elections due to non-payment of fees, hence the poor voter turnout that saw only 77 students vote in the student election.
Newly elected leader Erastus Lesaris said that the fees in the institution needed to be revised to make it affordable for more students.
“An even simple thing like participating in an election is a major problem. The campus has more than 100 students but many cannot vote due to fee balances. This hinders the capacity of the students to participate in any activity that takes place in the centre,” said Lesaris.
He argued that the high dropout rates in the institution were worrying, as some people could not afford the extra costs levied to them, this include the caution money, the library fee and the students Identity card.
“Even though we are charged for things like IDs, it is unfortunate that many of the students do not have one,” added Lesaris.
He further hit on the school management for failing to also provide for security in the facility, citing that many students were living in fear of being attacked while on their way home.
“We are appealing to the institution to come up with hostels for the students who are in constant fear of being raped and mugged when they come from evening classes,” he added.