Kisumu National Polytechnic is set to reopen in phases following a month-long closure due to student unrest. The decision to resume learning gradually was arrived at after successful dialogue between student leaders, government officials, and community representatives.
Members of the community have lauded the student leadership for embracing peaceful negotiations to resolve the standoff. Led by the chairman of the Kisumu Town Residents’ Voice, Mr Audi Ogada, and the National Chairman of Bunge la Wanainchi, Obungu Owichi, the leaders commended Student Leader Silas Adem for choosing dialogue over confrontation. This move helped pave the way for reopening.
The institution had been shut down indefinitely after students went on the rampage on September 17, protesting over fee hikes and administrative concerns. During a public engagement, TVET Director Mryan Hassan announced that the phased reopening will begin on October 27 with students sitting for their examinations, while others will be recalled later.
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The community leaders similarly commended the county commissioner, Benson Leparmorijo, for his role in resolving the standoff.
Ogada also praised Adem for softening his stance. Ministry officials announced during a stakeholders meeting that the learning institution would be opened in a phased manner.
The director said the students’ claims of fee hikes had been proven. Hassan said different agencies would address other grievances, as the rest are being looked into.
She said Catherine Kelonye remains the institution’s head, despite students demanding her removal.
Earlier, Leparmorijo said no student will be victimised.
By Fredrick Odiero
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