The Nyeri National Polytechnic has reportedly been closed indefinitely following a wave of violent student protests that erupted on Friday, May 22.
Following the closure, students were ordered to vacate the school premises immediately as the unrest intensified.
The unrest broke out after a disputed student leadership election, prompting the administration to order all students to vacate the school premises with immediate effect.
Students took to the streets around the institution and the institution itself, causing chaos and unrest, prompting the school administration to make a decision.
Videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke show thousands of students protesting outside the school gate, shouting as the protest intensified, disrupting normal operations in the institution.
The police are later seen engaging the angered students in running battles, throwing teargas canisters to disperse the students in efforts to restore order.
While there is no official communication from the school, internal sources confirm that the indefinite closure was deemed necessary to prevent further destruction of property and ensure public safety.
The indefinite closure of Nyeri National Polytechnic comes on the back of recent unrest across various learning institutions in the country, including secondary schools and higher learning institutions like TVETs and universities.
A day earlier, on Thursday, May 21, Ingotse Boys High School in Kakamega County was closed indefinitely after students went on a rampage on the night of Wednesday, May 20.
The students destroyed property within the school premises before scores staged a walkout in the middle of the night, according to initial reports, adding to a worrying trend that has seen some secondary schools go on strike, particularly during the second term.
Also, on May 12, students at Kaumoni Boys High School in Makueni County allegedly set several administrative blocks on fire.
In April, Mirithu Girls Secondary School in Limuru was closed indefinitely after a dormitory fire destroyed property, while in January, Matungulu Boys Secondary School suffered a fire that destroyed four dormitories.
Other schools that have also been affected include Dr Agrey School in Taita Taveta, Njoro Girls Senior School, Kangaru Boys Secondary in Embu County, and Chebwagan Boys High School in Kericho County.