On July 14, 2021, police clashed with medical students at the University of Nairobi (UON) during a protest.

UON medical students had gathered on campus to protest a 70% increase in tuition fees. They reportedly blocked the road and threw stones at passing vehicles and/or police while police fired tear gas at the students, reportedly arresting three of them. All of the students were released later that day, and were not charged.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violence during on-campus protests. While students and other protesters have a right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, they must exercise these rights peacefully and responsibly. State authorities must likewise exercise restraint and refrain from disproportionate responses to violent or destructive actions. Violence and the destruction of campus property harm the ability of higher education communities to safely and adequately conduct research, teaching, and other academic activities. Such incidents undermine academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.news24.com/news24/Africa/News/kenyan-police-tear-gas-protesting-university-students-20210714
https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-nairobi-protest/fact-check-video-shows-protest-at-university-of-nairobi-in-kenya-not-2021-france-vaccination-protests-idUSL1N2OS1AK?fbclid=IwAR33SFVxoZCXgy50tPhePEqA7-ay4KLQuYbdPpi5HvjFqKKaY3xygS1B55k
https://www.today.ng/news/africa/kenyan-police-tear-gas-protesting-university-students-378016
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2021/07/uon-students-on-the-rampage-over-fee-hike-plans/
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20210717145905278
https://www.article19.org/resources/kenya-government-must-uphold-the-right-to-protest/
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/66644-ministry-education-makes-u-turn-uon-fee-increase