Kenyan students protest government shuts varsities
You're referring to the recent protests by Kenyan students against the government's decision to shut down universities in the country.
Here's a brief summary of the situation:
Background: In November 2020, the Kenyan government announced that it would be shutting down all public and private universities in the country due to a dispute over funding and the implementation of a new education policy.
Protests: In response to the government's decision, students from various universities in Kenya took to the streets to protest against the shutdown. The protests, which began in late November, have been ongoing for several weeks, with students demanding that the government reconsider its decision and allow universities to reopen.
Reasons for the protests: Students have been protesting against the government's decision, citing several reasons, including:
- Loss of academic time: The shutdown has resulted in a significant loss of academic time, which could impact the students' academic performance and future prospects.
- Financial burden: Many students rely on part-time jobs to support themselves while studying. The shutdown has resulted in a loss of income, making it difficult for students to sustain themselves.
- Lack of communication: Students feel that the government has not communicated effectively with them about the reasons behind the shutdown and the proposed solutions.
- Fear of academic regression: Students are concerned that the shutdown could lead to a regression in their academic progress, which could have long-term consequences for their careers.
Government response: The Kenyan government has maintained that the shutdown is necessary to address the financial and administrative challenges facing the education sector. However, students and academics have criticized the government's response, arguing that the shutdown is not a solution to the problems facing the sector.
International response: The international community has also expressed concern over the situation, with several organizations and governments calling on the Kenyan government to reconsider its decision and find a solution that benefits all parties involved.
Current situation: The protests are ongoing, with students continuing to demand that the government reopen universities. The government has shown no signs of backing down, and the situation remains tense.