Public varsities to close for elections

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi (Photo: Courtesy)

All public universities will be shut by August 4 ahead of the national elections.

The Standard established that Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i advised universities to consider shutting the institutions until after elections.

Vice Chancellors who spoke to The Standard said the directive was issued during a meeting held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

University of Nairobi VC, Prof Peter Mbithi’s internal memo to all staff said the institution will be shut on August 4.

"This is to inform all staff that the University of Nairobi will close with effect from August 4, 2017 up to August 18, 2017 during the electioneering period," said Prof Mbithi.

The memo titled 'closure of the University of Nairobi during the General Election period' is dated July 18.

Prof Mbithi said that the closure will allow staff to participate in the election process more conveniently and peacefully.

Vice chancellors committee chairperson Prof Francis Aduol said all universities are to make closing arrangements.

Prof Mbithi however says that during the period, his office will remain open.