Nairobi Aviation students protest over certificates scam exposé

Nairobi Aviation College students blocked Kimathi Street on Monday to protest an exposé aired on NTV about the selling of certificates.

The students, who carried twigs and college banners, threw rocks at Nation Centre, breaking doors and windows and chasing journalists who were taking pictures.

Chanting “Haki Yetu”, the students climbed on top of vehicles parked outside the building.

The students dispersed after protesting for about half an hour but regrouped and returned.

Several journalists were harassed and lost valuables, including cameras and mobile phones.

Police tear-gassed the students to disperse them and arrested at least 12 of them over the protest.

The students were protesting a story aired on NTV and published in the Nation exposing the rot in higher learning institutions that engage in academic malpractices.

Some institutions dish out certificates without requiring one to step into a classroom.

The story revealed how certificates are sold and degrees “cleaned”.

Damaging claims show that Nairobi Aviation College, which boasts 16 years of offering professional training, is riddled with fraud that stains its reputation.

A lecturer at the college claimed he had helped thousands of students to acquire certificates without their setting foot in class. He bragged about his network across all campuses.

(READ: How universities and colleges sell diplomas and clean up degrees)