Laikipia University has been closed with immediate effect following a day of intense student unrest that escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement.

The decision was reached during the 196th Special Senate Meeting held on Monday, March 23, 2026.

According to an official circular released by the Registrar of Academic Affairs, Robert Mwebi, the closure was necessitated by student unrest, engagement with police, and the subsequent destruction of property along the Laikipia–Nyahururu Highway.

“The 196th Special Senate Meeting of the University, held on 23rd March, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., has resolved that the University be closed with immediate effect following student unrest, engagement with police, and the subsequent destruction of property along the Laikipia-Nyahururu Highway,” Mwebi said.

Leave the premises immediately

The university has directed all students to leave the premises immediately, noting that the evacuation would be monitored by university security personnel and government agencies.

The notice stated that the University security personnel, working in coordination with government security agencies, are currently on-site to supervise the evacuation process and ensure full compliance with the directive.

The University further said any student who fails to comply with this directive will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University regulations.

“Consequently, all students are required to vacate the University premises immediately. The University security personnel, in liaison with government security agencies, will supervise the evacuation process to ensure compliance. Any student who fails to comply with this directive will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University regulations,” Mwebi ordered.

Mwebi noted that further communication regarding the resumption of academic activities and administrative arrangements will be shared through official channels in due course.

“Further communication regarding the resumption of academic activities and related administrative arrangements will be issued through official University channels in due course. Strict compliance with this directive is required,” Mwebi added.

The unrest was escalated by the loss of one student whose life was cut short after a hiking accident at Subukia View Point few kilometres from the school.

Confirmation of the deceased

In a statement on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the university confirmed the death on the student, identifying him as Hillary Vulimu, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media student, whose life was cut short after a hiking accident at Subukia View Point.

“It is with profound sorrow that Laikipia University announces the untimely passing of Hillary Vulimu, Registration Number HD/COM/3444/25. He was a cherished first-year student who was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media. Hillary tragically lost his life following an accident at Subukia View Point on Friday, 20th March 2026, while hiking with fellow students, when he was struck by a rock,” part of the statement read.

The University noted that fellow students acted swiftly following the incident, rushing him to a nearby medical facility for emergency care before he was referred for specialised treatment.

“Following the incident, the students promptly arranged for his transport to Michael Nursing Home, Subukia for immediate first aid. The facility referred him to Nyahururu County Referral Hospital for further medical attention.

“The hospital organized an ambulance to have him transferred to Nyahururu with coordination with the University. Regrettably, he passed away while at the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital casualty receiving treatment,” the statement added.