On October 22, 2024, police arrested more than 100 students who were holding signs and twigs as they peacefully protested on the roads outside of the Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI).

The protest came after NTTI suddenly raised tuition fees from Sh60,000 (approximately $463 USD) to Sh72,000 (approximately $556 USD).

The day after the protest, officials from the Law Society of Kenya intervened and secured the unconditional release of 102 students. The other six students were granted cash bail; only two were able to raise the bail.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the arrests of peaceful student protesters by police. While state authorities have an obligation to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of students and university personnel and should endeavor to prevent disruptions that inappropriately inhibit the functioning of or access to higher education, they must do so consistent with their responsibility to ensure academic freedom and free expression on campus. The punishment of nonviolent student expression undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/nairobi/college-shut-striking-students-freed-on-sh10000-bail–4801160
https://www.instagram.com/ntvkenya/reel/DBdzbsuKHot/
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/105641-nairobi-technical-students-stage-protests-outside-pangani-police-station?page=171