Kaimenyi, VC clash over varsity strike

By Augustine Oduor

Nairobi, Kenya: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi clashed with the Kisii University Vice Chancellor over the closure of the institution.

The two were appearing before the House committee on Science and Technology to explain a strike action that disrupted learning at the institution. Students were sent home following two days of riots as they challenged a Sh10,000 teaching practice fee imposed by the institution.

The university arrived at the decision after the students failed to end the strike.

Yesterday, the education team also wanted to know whether claims of rape of some female students were valid and whether the administration was aware of the presence of an illegal outfit called ‘Sungu Sungu’ that fanned the violence.

They also wanted to know why the institution was still closed even after Education Permanent Secretary said it would open by March 20.

In the previous meeting held early this month, the committee instructed the Ministry of Education to facilitate students leaders’ to be present during yesterday’s meeting.

However, the university VC, John Sorana Akama, astonished the MPs when he said he had not received any letter to that effect instructing him to come with the student leaders.

But Prof Kaimenyi said the VC was lying. “I am surprised because I have a copy of the letter sent by the House clerk,” said Kaimenyi.