Daystar University closes indefinitely following students unrest

Daystar University closes indefinitely following student unrest (Photo: Courtesy)

Daystar University on Friday closed its Nairobi and Athi River campuses indefinitely following student unrest since Thursday, November 17.

In a letter to students, the Vice Chancellor Timothy Wachira said the student government had been adamant to enter into any dialogue with Senate, management and council over the unrest.

"The decision was arrived today following the disruption of studies by students that took place since Thursday (November 17, 2017), and refusal by Student Government to enter into any dialogue over this matter with Senate, Management and Council," read part of the statement

The administration has instructed undergraduate and Diploma students to leave the university with immediate effect.

However, management assured post-graduate programmes will not be affected by the closure.

On Thursday, students had raised concerns over pathetic services especially transport, food and health. The administration said that it was addressing the issues raised by the students.

Daystar University students forced to flee after police lob teargas at their Athi River Campus. (Photo: Courtesy)

Learning was disrupted at the Athi River campus after the student leadership issued notice for a “silent protest” where they were directed to boycott classes.

Thursday demonstrations materialised after university administrators failed to attend a student baraza that was planned by the student leadership on Wednesday.

They took to social media to air their grievances using the hashtags #DaystarUniversityRot and #DaystarLivesMatter.