Businesses in Nakuru town were on Tuesday disrupted when Egerton University students joined their counterparts from across the country to protest against the proposed tuition fees increase.
The students from the Nakuru Town campuses also oppose the reduction of loan amounts given to students by the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).
Collins Wekesa, a student leader in the university, told our reporter that students will not allow the government to increase the school fees.
“As a union that represents the interests of the students in Egerton University, we have a say in matters that directly affect them. That is why we reject the fee increment because we were not consulted,” said Wekesa.
He added: “The student fraternity will not allow the government to burden us more. It is unbearable considering the economic hardships in the country.”
Police had to use teargas canisters to disperse the students who were matching along the streets chanting slogans. Most streets in the town were closed to traffic as the students engaged police in running battles.
Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has, however, dismissed claims that he ordered fee increments in all public universities.
Prof Kaimenyi said any fee increment can only be done after consultations with education stakeholders.