Keroka Technical Institute Closed Indefinitely Following Student Protests

Keroka Technical Institute (KETTI) in Ichuni Ward, Nyaribari Masaba, Kisii County, has been closed indefinitely after students went on a rampage demanding the removal of the principal. The closure follows intense protests that erupted yesterday, fueled by the students’ grievances against the institution’s administration.

The learners accused the administration of laxity and mismanagement, claiming that tutors had been boycotting classes for months due to unpaid salaries. This situation, they argued, was sabotaging their education as many of them have been in the institution for an extended period without progressing academically.

One of the students, Muangu, a Mechanical Engineering major, expressed her frustration over the lack of practical sessions essential for her course. She revealed that since enrolling and paying the required fees, no practical work had been conducted. “I haven’t done any practical work despite paying fees as demanded by the institution. My course demands that we do practical work, but we are yet to do one. The management of the school has been here far too long; it is time they are changed,” she lamented.

The protesters also voiced concerns over arbitrary fee hikes with little to no explanation from the administration. They demanded an immediate reshuffle of the administration, accusing the current management of prioritizing financial gain over students’ education.

The situation escalated to the point where detectives from Ramasha Police Post had to intervene, dispersing the rowdy students with teargas. The students, however, remained resolute, vowing not to resume classes until their demands were met.

As of the time of this publication, the administration had not provided any information regarding the alleged skipping of classes by tutors due to non-payment. The indefinite closure of KETTI leaves the future of the students uncertain as they await intervention from the concerned authorities.