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{
    "id": 583490,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/583490/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 134,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Karaba",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 232,
        "legal_name": "Daniel Dickson Karaba",
        "slug": "daniel-karaba"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Before we went on recess, Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo had requested for a Statement from me and my Committee on Education relating to the management of Moi University and University of Eldoret which had been closed indefinitely. I was supposed to inform the Senate of the following issues:- (1) The circumstances that led to the closure of the only public institution of higher learning in the North Rift. (2) What has the Ministry of Education Science and Technology has done to ensure normalcy returns to the University of Eldoret, which has been faced with challenges related to management disputes? (3) When will the universities reopen? (4) What long-term measures has the Ministry put in place to avert challenges of this nature which are common in institutions of higher learning in this country? Mr. Speaker, Sir, the response is as follows:- The University of Eldoret experienced chaos and it was closed on 8th July, 2015. Students went on rampage and destroyed property. A full estimate of damages is not yet complete. Preliminary estimates put damages at approximately Kshs2.08 million, according to the County Clerk of Works, Uasin Gishu County. After deliberations, the University Management Board closed down the university at 2.00 p.m. on the same day. This closure was ratified by the University Senate on 9th July, 2015. The disturbance was caused by students who alleged that the tuition fees had been increased without their consultation. The university management immediately called a meeting with the Students Governing Council in order to give dialogue a chance. However, other students who were part of a group accompanying the student council were left out of the meeting. They managed to convince the rest of the students into moving around the university and as a result, massively destroyed university property. The destruction affected hostels and the student centre which houses shops and various offices which were perceived to be friendly to the administration. Windows were shattered and several cars, furniture and computers were also destroyed. This prompted the University Management Board to close down the university as the situation was getting out of hand. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the true position according to the university is that tuition fee had not been increased since the award of its charter in 2013. The fee was revised during the 2012/2013 academic year and all stakeholders were involved. They included schools, The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}