The Kisumu National Polytechnic has been closed indefinitely following a series of disruptions, demonstrations, and class boycotts by students.
In a statement, the institution announced that the Interim Council reached the decision during a meeting held on Friday, September 19.
"This is to notify all staff and trainees that the Interim Council of The Kisumu National Polytechnic held a meeting on Friday 19th September, 2025 and resolved vide Minute 06/19/09/2025 to close the institution with immediate effect following disruptions, demonstrations and boycotting of classes by trainees since Monday 15th September, 2025; preceded by various allegations against the Management by the Kisumu National Polytechnic Students Association (KINAPOSA)," read the statement.
The council further advised students to remain calm and avoid the institution until further updates are provided.
"All trainees are advised to maintain peace and stay away from the Polytechnic premises pending further communication on the dates when classes will resume," the statement added.
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While regretting the circumstances that led to the closure, the council pledged to investigate the issues raised by students and address them promptly.
"The Council affirms that the inconvenient circumstances are highly regrettable and wishes to assure all the affected trainees, parents and guardians that the concerns raised will be investigated and addressed expeditiously with a view to resume normalcy to the operations of the Polytechnic," the statement added.
Despite the closure for students, staff members have been directed to continue reporting to work.
"All staff will report for duty unimpeded unless advised otherwise," the statement concluded.
This comes a week after St George's Girls' Secondary School in Nairobi was closed following students' night protests over corporal punishment.
Speaking on Monday, September 8, Dagoretti North Sub-County deputy county commissioner said the decision to shut down the institution was made following disturbances that erupted overnight.
"We have made the decision as the security team and the board, and have declared the school closed. Further communications will be made later. Investigations on what transpired last night are ongoing," he stated.
The overnight disturbances reportedly began after allegations emerged that a teacher had physically assaulted a student for leaving the dormitory to observe the lunar eclipse that occurred Sunday night.
The incident allegedly sparked outrage among the student body, leading to widespread unrest within the school compound.
Law enforcement officers were deployed to the school premises to restore order as the situation escalated.
The disturbances continued well into the night, prompting concerned parents to converge on the school to de-escalate the situation and ensure their children's safety.
By Monday morning, the school compound was filled with students gathered outside, while school administrators, parents, and a significant police presence worked to address the unfolding crisis.
Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris expressed concern over the school's closure and its impact on students and families.
"I am concerned by the indefinite closure of St. George's Girls ' Nairobi and the disruption to learners and families. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with investigations and ensure our children's safety, dignity, and rights are upheld," she said.
Passaris emphasized the need for balance in addressing the situation, noting that "while every educator deserves training and support to uphold the highest level of professional standards, every child deserves a safe and nurturing learning environment."
