Tharaka Technical Training Institute (TTI) has been closed until further notice following protests by students demonstrating against the school’s leadership among other grievances.
The students posed several grievances including an urgent call for improvement of facilities, provision of adequate water supply, reliable Wi-Fi and enhanced learning resources.
Venesa Odira and Martin Wainaina who addressed the media on behalf of other students, claimed that the institution lacks enough furniture, unstable stable electricity connectivity in some rooms, poor hygiene and insufficient tutors compared to the student population.
There were confrontations between students and law enforcement officers who lobbed teargas to disperse the students to maintain order.
Area County Commissioner, County Police Commander, and county Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) officials visited the institution to address the situation.
The institution’s Board of Governors Chairperson, Geoffrey Rukunja, acknowledged the grievances raised by students, noting that all concerns had been formally presented to the board and approved for implementation by the Principal.
Principal Wangari Gichohi said some students had exhibited impatience and that issues regarding unpaid school fees have contributed to the unrest, adding that the students had not approached her officially to present their concerns.
“The students are not patient. I have been here for only nine months. I already raised their concerns to the board. There are things that require a third party to be implemented,” she said.
The Principal announced the closure of the institution, stating that conditions for students’ return would be established in order to facilitate a constructive dialogue regarding their grievances.
By John Majau
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