Tharaka Technical Training Institute was on Wednesday closed indefinitely following protests by students who expressed their dissatisfaction with the school’s leadership.

The decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions during demonstrations.

The students listed several grievances including demands for improvement of facilities, provision of adequate water supply, reliable Wi-Fi, and enhanced learning resources.

The protesters burnt tyres on the road as they chant, ‘Mama must go’, referring to the current principal Wangari Gichohi.

Venesa Odira and Martin Wainaina who spoke on behalf of the students claimed that the institution didn’t have enough chairs, lacked electricity connectivity in some rooms and lacked adequate water.

This, they said had resulted to poor hygiene in toilets.The trainees also lamented over shortage of tutors.

There were confrontations between students and law enforcement officers who lobbed teargas to disperse them to maintain order.

Area County Commissioner, County Police Commander, and the Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) officials visited the school to address the situation.

Mr Geoffrey Rukunja, the Chairman of the Board of Governors addressed the grievances raised by the students, noting that all concerns had been formally presented to the board and approved for implementation by the principal.

“We agreed their grievances be processed. The business we oversee as a board of governors is that learning and teaching continues uninterrupted ,” Rukunja said.

The principal said some students had exhibited impatience and that issues regarding unpaid school fees have contributed to the unrest.

She emphasized that students have not approached her in a constructive manner regarding their concerns.

“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,” Ms Wangari said.

The principal announced the official closure of the institution until further notice, stating that conditions for students’ return would be established in order to facilitate a constructive dialogue regarding their grievances.

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