A university vice-chancellor was Tuesday asked to explain to the
National Assembly’s Education Committee why Sh8 million was collected
from students to buy a new vehicle, when it could have repaired for
Sh800,000 the one they had damaged.
Prof Festus
Kaberia, of Multimedia University in Nairobi, could not justify the
criteria used to fine the students, who went on strike on February 8.
He
said they had been surcharged Sh13 million for the destruction of
property and loss of business to the institution’s three-star hotel,
with Sh8 million going towards the new vehicle.
“They
destroyed the vehicle completely and plucked off parts of it. It was
written off as it was destroyed about 50 per cent. Insurance could not
pay and that is why we surcharged such a huge amount of money,” the VC
said.
However, a picture of the vandalised Toyota Prado vehicle only shows shattered windows.
Committee vice-chairman Julius Melly directed the VC to review the charges, saying they were unacceptable and unreasonable.
“We
are asking you and the university council to review the charges.
Blanket punishment is not good. We do not want a situation where those
who were not involved get punished,” said Mr Melly.
“I’ve never seen students punished for loss of business during a strike. It’s is unfair,” he said.
“I’ve never seen students punished for loss of business during a strike. It’s is unfair,” he said.
UNFAIR
Molo MP Jacob Macharia asked why management had not sought compensation from insurance.
Shinyalu
MP Silverse Anami said learning institutions should identify and punish
only those who destroy property, while Elgeyo-Marakwet’s Susan Chebet
said it was unfair as the vehicle could have been repaired at a cost of
Sh800,000. The 3,837 students resumed learning three weeks ago after
each paid Sh3,646.
Dr Chebet said university management
should look at ways of solving such issues amicably without paralyzing
learning and creating more conflicts through such punishment.
The university which resumed learning three weeks ago whas 3,837 students. Each student paid Sh3,646 for the destruction.
Prof
Kaberia said the cause of the strike was power blackout which denied
the students an opportunity to watch a soccer match between Manchester
United and West Ham and final of Africa Cup of Nations.
He
said the six students who were identified as key suspects were
suspended and those who were found guilty were punished in accordance
with the university regulations.
Prof Kaberia added
that other cause of the strike were overstretched accommodation
facilities, inadequate transport to cope with students demand, student
politics among others.
He said the university
management had addressed all concern raised by the students including
improving power supply to the institution.
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