The Kisumu National Polytechnic is scheduled for a phased reopening starting October 27, nearly a month after it was shut down due to violent student protests that paralyzed operations. The decision was announced following a consultative meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Education’s TVET Directorate, county administration, and the institution’s management.
According to the plan, only candidates preparing for examinations will be allowed back initially. The return of the broader student body will be contingent upon the full restoration of stability and the resolution of pending issues.
Maryan Hassan, a representative from the TVET Directorate, emphasized that the phased approach is designed to ensure a smooth resumption of learning. “The reopening will be gradual. We want learning to resume in a controlled manner as investigations into the students’ grievances continue,” Hassan stated after the meeting at the institution.
The meeting, chaired by Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, also served to reaffirm the position of Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye, putting to rest speculation about her removal, which had been a key demand from the students.
Addressing the core trigger of the protests, the TVET official dismissed claims of an unauthorized fee hike. Hassan clarified that a review of the institution’s financial records showed no changes to the approved fee structure.
“Certain levies existed, but they were sanctioned through government channels and affected all national polytechnics, not Kisumu alone,” she explained. The County Commissioner Leparmorijo urged students to embrace dialogue over destruction, issuing a stern warning against vandalism. “The right to protest does not extend to vandalism. We encourage peaceful engagement as the best way to resolve issues,” Leparmorijo said.
The polytechnic was closed indefinitely last month after days of unrest saw students block roads and clash with police. The protests were initially fueled by allegations of increased fees, which the administration later dismissed as “misguided and exaggerated.”
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