University of Kabianga closed after students riot over HELB delays

The University of Kabianga in Belgut, Kericho County, has been closed indefinitely after students went on rampage over what they termed as delays by the government to disburse HELB loans.

The institution in a memo signed by Deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Academics and Student Affairs Prof. Elijah Omwenga, said the move was taken after lengthy deliberations by the Senate.

The students were instructed to vacate the university premises by 5pm after engaging police officers in running battles and barricading the Premier - Taplotin road by lighting bonfires for the better part of the day.

The students claimed that the delay by the government to disburse the loans had affected their studies and they may not sit for their exams due to failure to pay their fees.

They gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to disburse the loans, failure to which they vowed to hold further demonstrations.

Police officers were forced to lobby teargas canisters to disburse the rioting students.