On September 9, 2024, police fired teargas canisters to disperse University of Nairobi students who were demonstrating against a new university funding model.

This demonstration was one of many student-led protests across the country on September 9th, organized in opposition to the new funding policy created by President William Ruto’s administration. Footage from the demonstration shows students clashing with police. Students threw stones, while police shot teargas in response.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/uon-student-charged-with-attempting-to-burn-city-hotel–4756888
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCe2MCWTemg
https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/counties/561628-uon-student-arrested-petrol-tells-court-operates-boda-boda-raise-fee/
https://www.kenyan-post.com/2024/09/university-of-nairobi-student-arrested.html
https://ke.usembassy.gov/demonstration-alert-calls-for-protests-at-universities-in-kenya-on-monday-september-9/