Second year students at Kisii University held demos on Tuesday, destroying property within the campus to protest against a hike in fees.
The entrance to Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama 's office was vandalised in the melee.
Police lobbed tear gear canisters at demonstrators to stem further destruction.
The situation at the campus remained tense for the better part of the day as the police engaged the students in running battles.
Students who spoke to journalists said they were angry at the decision by the university Senate to increase fees by Sh10, 000.
"The gripe we have is that the management just sat somewhere and decided unilaterally to increase fees for second years without taking into consideration the financial circumstances our parents are in," said Evans Mose, a student.
The students had been paying Sh24,000 as tuition as opposed to the Sh34,000 they say they have now been told to pay.
"We want Akama, the Vice Chancellor, to come out clear on this otherwise we have resolved to continue with the strike until he addresses the matter," Mose said.
The main gate to the university was blocked by a trailer.
A vandalised sofa set was put next to the gate to deter police from entering the institution.
They however gained entry through the rear gate before dispersing the students.
Calla to Prof Akama for comment went unanswered.
An administrative officer however said he was holed up in a Senate meeting to resolve the matter.
"He will address the issue earliest tomorrow (Wednesday). Currently he is still in a meeting," the officer told journalists.
Student union leaders did not address journalists over the matter.
