Businesses count losses as Egerton varsity students take to the streets
By Roy Lumbe, January 14, 2020
Tension remains high at Egerton University main campus in Njoro, Nakuru county following students protest against the institution’s move to charge each Sh17,000 fee for damages from a previous strike.
Business premises around the institution remained closed for five days now as students engaged with police in running battles as the learners seek to force the institution to back down on the directive.
Catherine Musyoki, who operates an M-Pesa shop adjacent to the university said they have been forced to close their businesses for fear of looting by the riotous students.
She, however, noted they have been having a hard time because most of their clients are students.
Another trader, Susan Kamau, said the heavy police presence around the university is making it difficult for them to conduct business in the area.
Motorists plying the Njoro-Narok road were not spared as they forced to camp at the main road for nearly two hours as students barricaded the road, causing a major snarl up.
Some matatu operators opted to withdraw their vehicles from the route over fear of being caught up in the confrontations.
Students who spoke accused the institution of engaging in outright corruption saying the fee has been exaggerated by selfish management who are out to exploit them. They also accused police to using excessive force to quell the riots.