Eldoret: Moi University Enforces 10 pm Curfew Over Rising Insecurity Cases
- Moi University has imposed a 10:30 pm curfew for all students, citing a worrying rise in insecurity around the campus
- While many students welcomed the move as a safety measure, TUKO.co.ke spoke to some local business owners, who feared it could cripple their evening operations
- The university community is now seeking a middle ground that protects both lives and livelihoods
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Eldoret — Moi University students are now required to be inside their residences by 10:30 pm daily.
Source: UGC
This directive follows a wave of insecurity incidents reported near the institution. It took effect on Saturday, July 20, and was announced through an internal memo by the Moi University Students Organisation (MUSO).
In the memo seen by TUKO.co.ke, the student leadership cited "rising security threats" and a growing pattern of theft and assaults occurring late at night.
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“Most of these criminal activities occur during late-night hours. Effective immediately, a curfew will begin at 10:30 pm daily. We urge everyone to adhere strictly to this directive,” read part of the memo issued by MUSO security representative Pavine Dondi.
Why is Moi University enforcing a night curfew?
According to MUSO, the move followed a series of consultative meetings involving the university’s chief security office and the officer commanding station (OCS) at Kesses Police Station.
“We are working closely with the administration and the OCS Kesses to ensure your safety and security. Tonight, the school ambulance and the Kesses police Landcruiser will be deployed for emergency and patrol purposes,” the memo continued.
Students were further urged to remain vigilant, as some of the suspects linked to previous incidents had already been released from police custody.
“Take extra caution now that you are fully aware. Remember, security starts with you,” MUSO advised.
While the majority of students welcomed the curfew as a timely response to growing safety concerns, the decision has sparked mixed reactions from the wider university community, particularly among local business owners.
Will Moi University curfew affect local businesses?
TUKO.co.ke spoke to some entrepreneurs operating around the university who fear that the curfew could deal a major blow to their evening sales.
Hermon Ogweno, a student entrepreneur who runs a movie shop and fast-food outlet, said the timing of the curfew could not have been worse, especially with the new English Premier League (EPL) season just weeks away.
“We make most of our money from 8:00 pm to midnight. During EPL matches, the place gets packed. Students come here not just to watch games but to hang out, eat, and unwind after classes,” he explained.
Ogweno expressed concern that the curfew could cripple small, student-run businesses.
“We understand the need for security, but the blanket curfew is punishing those of us trying to make an honest living. There should have been dialogue with business operators before such a move,” he said.
On the other hand, some students said they were ready to comply if it meant they would be safer.
“We’ve seen phones snatched and students attacked near Stage and around Hostels K and L. If the curfew helps stop that, it’s worth it,” said a third-year student who spoke in the condition of anonymity.
Source: Original
Does Moi University charge for admission letters?
The development comes during the final week of end-of-semester exams, just before students break for the August holidays.
First-year students are expected to report soon, followed by continuing students, who will return for the next academic session.
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the Kesses-based institution warned incoming first-year students about a scam message circulating on social media.
The fake SMS congratulated recipients on their university placement and asked them to send KSh 100 to a personal number in exchange for automatic delivery of admission letters.
The university dismissed the message as false and misleading, clarifying that it does not charge any fee for accessing them.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
