Varsity students' loutish behaviour unacceptable

Not too long ago, acquiring a university education bestowed on one and one's family an automatic elevated status and guaranteed not just employment but respect as well.

People talked about graduates in hushed tones wherever they passed; they were role models.

Employers scouted universities looking for intellectuals to offer jobs. At the time, the country had fewer universities and competition was stiff, ensuring that only the best secured admission.

Much later, to take care of the many secondary school leavers and in line with the Government's commitment to eradicate illiteracy, more universities were opened up.

This was a welcome move in the right direction, but unfortunately, something went wrong and university students became adept at throwing stones and wreaking havoc on vehicles unfortunate enough to drive past while they were engrossed in rioting frenzies; reason being they did not agree with an administrative requirement.

When time comes up for elective student leadership positions at most of our universities, aspirants literally hit the road in campaigns, hiring vehicles to drive around town, playing loud music illegally, giving inducements and drinking themselves silly.

Once they have taken one too many and leave of their senses, they turn rowdy.

On Tuesday, Kenyatta University students rioted along Thika Road, inconveniencing motorists. And on Wednesday night, they set university property on fire because the university management had barred one of the students from participating in student elections.

Mid this year, we had students from the University of Nairobi and the Technical University of Kenya running riot on the streets of Nairobi, causing damage and stoning innocent motorists. More recently, three Moi University students have been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping children.

What values do universities instil in their wards to make them responsible citizens?

Should the obsession with ranking and mean grades take the blame for eroding the value of education, turning out graduates who can barely distinguish between right and wrong?

These unfortunate incidents call for a review of the education system to restore its lost glory.