A section of Kiambu Town residents want the government to crackdown on goons allegedly influencing and recruiting university students into criminal activities.
The residents said the existence of criminal gangs in universities is a threat to education.
Speaking to this writer on Thursday, the residents asked Education CS Dr Fred Matiang'i to formulate policies that will streamline discipline in universities.
“The government must come up with policies and measures that will ensure safety of our students in universities and colleges,” said Jackson Muriuki, a resident.
Mr Muriuki said that cases of crime and violence being reported in some universities are a blow to the education sector.
“It is sad our universities and colleges are turning out to be a breeding ground for criminals,” said Stella Kariuki, a resident.
“We are getting afraid of sending our sons and daughters to university because of the things that are happening there,” she added.
The locals were reacting to an expose by Citizen TV on Sunday that alleged existence of criminal gangs at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
The expose alleged that some students were dealing in drugs and also engaging in criminal activities.
The UoN was closed three weeks ago after students went on riot following disputed students election that saw Babu Owino announced as winner.
The university has since been re-opened with several students who are said to have spearheaded the protests being suspended.
According to police, an investigation done in various hostels at UoN unearthed drugs, money making machines and crude weapons.
The university has been on the spot over frequent violent protests.