There is need to strengthen student and community relationship

I thank Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for enforcing the law to counter insecurity in universities.

Cases of theft, murder, and rape are common in our universities. Students, especially those joining universities far away from their homes, suffer in a strange environment, especially in their search for suitable accommodation.

The students sometimes have to rent hostels outside university premises. They have to pay high rents and are exposed to insecurity. This probably explains why most students prefer living in school hostels despite the conditions.

Tightening security in universities may not be enough.

This is because some communities living around the university premises have been known to attack, injure, and steal from students. This is despite the fact that the students offer a ready market for the businesses in nearby towns.

Students also bear some blame for the situation because they sometimes loot businesses and destroy people’s property during riots.